Al-Kindi’s Remedy for Sorrow: A Cognitive Path to Joy

Al-Kindi, the first self-identified philosopher in the Islamic tradition, offers a profound remedy for sorrow rooted in cognitive transformation. This method resonates with Stoic philosophy and parallels contemporary Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). 

Known as "the Philosopher of the Arabs," Al-Kindi grounds his approach in clear-eyed recognition of life’s impermanence, asserting that clinging to the impossible—eternal possession of worldly things—breeds unnecessary anguish. His logic unfolds with elegant simplicity: 

“That which cannot endure forever in this world cannot be held forever. Thus, we should not desire what does not and cannot exist.”

The Revival of Philosophical Practice in Society

In recent decades, the role of philosophy in society has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once confined primarily to the halls of academia, philosophy is now experiencing a resurgence as a practical discipline that engages with everyday life. 

This shift returns to its historical roots, reminiscent of ancient Greece, where Socrates engaged in public dialogues in the Athenian marketplace, or ancient China, where Confucian and Daoist thought shaped social and ethical life.

A remarkable example of the global revival of philosophical practice was the recent APPA event featuring Xiaojun Ding, a pioneering Chinese practitioner and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Xi'an Jiaotong University, China. Lou Marinoff hosted the discussion for nearly two hours, leaving us speechless as we discovered the tremendous interest in philosophical counseling in China.

Lou Marinoff: A Philosopher for the People

Lou Marinoff is a prolific writer and philosopher who, much like Socrates, strives to reach the public with his thought-provoking ideas. Marinoff has brought philosophy into people's everyday lives by liberating himself from the ivory tower of academia, making complex concepts accessible and relevant. 

His commitment to practical philosophy explains why his books have been translated into many languages, resonating with readers across cultures and backgrounds.

Lou Marinoff’s The Power of Tao is a profound exploration of how the ancient philosophy of Taoism can serve as a guiding light for navigating the complexities of modern life. Drawing inspiration from Lao Tzu's teachings, Marinoff provides a practical roadmap to achieve balance, serenity, and personal growth amidst the chaos of the contemporary world. 

Nature as a Teacher: Finding Meaning and Strength in the Wild

Life is a journey up a ladder of experiences—each step brings new challenges, joys, and sorrows. As we climb, we encounter significant elevation and beauty moments, but slips and losses that test our strength. 

In times of deep grief, when we lose loved ones in quick succession, our footing can feel unsteady, and the weight of sorrow may make the next step seem impossible.

We need wisdom, support, and solace to make sense of these inevitable ups and downs. 

Wisdom helps us see that grief is not a descent but a necessary step in our journey, a reminder of love’s depth and life’s impermanence. 

Karl Jaspers: A Lifelong Journey in Philosophy and Humanity

Karl Jaspers has a special place in my philosophical journeys. 

His motto, “philosophy is to be on the road,” convinced me of a lifelong journey to wisdom as an undergraduate. 

The present book by Kurt Salamun once more convinced me, now as a philosophical counselor, “how far thought-provoking impulses and impulses for action can be gained from it for the present.”

Salamun’s work is a comprehensive and insightful study of Karl Jaspers, a towering intellectual figure whose contributions span multiple disciplines, including psychiatry, existential philosophy, and political thought. 

The book meticulously traces Jasper’s life and work, highlighting his resilience in the face of an incurable illness, his harmonious marriage, and his struggles and defiance under the Nazi regime. It also illuminates his career as a psychiatrist, researcher, academic teacher, existential philosopher, and political writer.

The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage

In The Joy of Movement, bestselling author Kelly McGonigal takes readers on a journey that reimagines exercise not as a chore or obligation but as a powerful source of happiness, hope, and connection. Known for her ability to blend science and storytelling, McGonigal presents a compelling narrative exploring how movement nourishes our bodies and souls.

Rather than offering another guide on why we should exercise, McGonigal focuses on how to fall in love with movement. Drawing from diverse fields like neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, and evolutionary biology, she illuminates how physical activity taps into fundamental human experiences—self-expression, social bonding, and the pursuit of mastery. 

The Meaning of Life and the Great Philosophers

"Science cannot answer every question that interests us."

When you search on Amazon for books on the meaning of life, you’ll find countless titles, but this one is a must for a comprehensive deep dive. 

The Meaning of Life and the Great Philosophers, edited by Stephen Leach and James Tartaglia, stands out as an essential read for anyone interested in existential questions. Unlike other books that offer broad overviews or narrow philosophical arguments, this volume brings together the insights of some of the greatest thinkers in history, analyzed by leading contemporary philosophers.

With 35 chapters contributed by contemporary philosophers, the book examines a broad spectrum of ideas, from classical Western philosophy to Eastern thought, and even includes reflections on the work of figures not traditionally classified as philosophers, such as Buddha and Confucius.