Throughout history, philosophers have attempted to unravel the mystery of life. People from many diverse traditions have been invited to sit face to face at the table of philosophy to engage in analytical and critical reflection in what Dr. John Morgan calls "the great questions of life." This book invites students to explore the meaning of life in an easy and understandable manner through the infamous character Professor Plotimus. The antics of Professor Plotimus make philosophy interesting, uncomplicated, and easy to grasp while deeply compelling . . . It allows our minds to wonder and listen to the wisdom of the ages that life has meaning and purpose if we only loosen the chains of dogma and venture out of our caves as we attempt to see life in a fresh way. --from the Preface by Linda Lewis Riccardi Adjunct Professor of Humanities and Philosophy, Reading Area Community College

Throughout history, philosophers have attempted to unravel the mystery of life. People from many diverse traditions have been invited to sit face to face at the table of philosophy to engage in analytical and critical reflection in what Dr. John Morgan calls "the great questions of life." This book invites students to explore the meaning of life in an easy and understandable manner through the infamous character Professor Plotimus. The antics of Professor Plotimus make philosophy interesting, uncomplicated, and easy to grasp while deeply compelling . . . It allows our minds to wonder and listen to the wisdom of the ages that life has meaning and purpose if we only loosen the chains of dogma and venture out of our caves as we attempt to see life in a fresh way. --from the Preface by Linda Lewis Riccardi Adjunct Professor of Humanities and Philosophy, Reading Area Community College

Includes music.

With the clarity and depth characteristic of the classics, this spiritual bestseller lays out a perceptive and insightful plan for living a spiritual life and achieving the ultimate goal of that life -- union with God. Nouwen views our spiritual "ascent" as evolving in three movements. The first, from loneliness to solitude, focuses on the spiritual life as it relates to the experience of our own selves. The second, from hostility to hospitality, deals with our spiritual life as a life for others. The final movement, from illusion to prayer, offers penetrating thoughts on the most mysterious relationship of all: our relationship to God. Throughout, Nouwen emphasizes that the more we understand (and not simply deny) our inner struggles, the more fully we will be able to embrace a prayerful and genuine life that is also open to others' needs. Reaching Out is a rich book to be read, reread, pondered, and shared with others. "It does not offer answers or solutions," Nouwen cautions, "but is written in the conviction that the quest for an authentic Christian spirituality is worth the effort and the pain, since in the midst of this quest we can find signs offering hope, courage, and confidence." Book jacket.