Essays on Philosophy, Praxis and Culture

“Lou Marinoff is indeed one of a very few true Renaissance men and prophets of our age. His wit, societal criticism, and sense of humor are on a par with the likes of Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, and Dave Chappelle, while simultaneously channeling the spirits of the Buddha, Socrates, and Nietzsche.” —Professor Rick Repetti, Kingsborough College CUNY, USA. “Professor Lou Marinoff is one of the prominent pioneers of modern philosophical practice.  Marinoff critiques western culture's self-destruction and advocates the importance of philosophy, to individuals and societies, in the modern age. His writing is full of wit, wisdom, and humor.” — Professor Tianqun Pan, Nanjing University, China. “Lou Marinoff’s books are not only well-known within the field of philosophical practice, but have also attracted citizens from across the social spectrum. This book is an unprecedented opportunity to access his hard-to-find writings. It will be a pleasant surprise both for Marinoff readers and for those who approach him for the first time.” — José Barrientos-Rastrojo, Professor at the University of Seville (Spain) and Director BOECIO (Center for Philosophical Practice with People at Social Risk). “This unique book consisting of 16 essays characterizes the author as a brilliant writer-publicist, for whom philosophy is a way of life, a sphere of struggle and creativity. The book contains examples of specific cases of philosophical counseling, the author’s lectures given in different parts of the world, and critical and humanistic essays on various aspects of the social and spiritual life of modern society. Reading this book is a fascinating journey into the world of living thought, which helps to discover the ‘inner philosopher’ in every reader and gives faith in humanistic ideals. All this really allows us to consider the philosophical practice that the author actively promotes as the fourth historical phase of humanism (following the Renaissance, enlightenment, and secular phases).” —Professor Sergey Borisov, Department of Philosophy and Cultural Studies, South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University, President of the Association of Philosophers-Practitioners “Ratio,” Russia. “Lou Marinoff’s latest book is another germinal on grand precious collection of his intellectually exceptional contributions to philosophy seen as a fundamental aspect of our every day lives. This incisive volume delves into the details of the way in which philosophy, unlike psychiatry or the conventional helping professions, can effectively address our modern existential and identity conundrums—the way of philosophical counseling, of which Marinoff himself is the most widely recognized authority and standard-setter today.”—Professor Aleksandar Fatić, Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade, Director of Training, Integrative Counseling, Institute for Practical Philosophy. “Lou Marinoff draws on a panoramic understanding of philosophy and contemporary culture to present a persuasive argument for philosophical practice. This collection of mostly previously published papers gathers in one place foundational and critical texts underlying the growing movement of philosophical practice. Though an expert in philosophy, Marinoff is also a polymath, as the best philosophers have always been. The way he expertly weaves the threads of his varying subjects is a pleasure to read and scholars of every stripe will find arguments that give pause for thought. Marinoff is often controversial but ultimately affirms the great benefits that philosophy can provide for general well-being.” — Professor Andrew Fitz Gibbon, State University of New York, Cortland, USA. “Lou Marinoff is a pioneer in his own right, a philosopher with transdisciplinary and trans cultural interests and perspectives, as well as has a unique, independent, striking, even provocative voice. The breadth of his knowledge is impressive and he says new things in interesting ways.” —Professor Michael Picard, Douglas College, Canada.