The Outward Path: The Wisdom of the Aztecs - Hardcover

by Sebastian Purcell (Author)

During the twilight decades of their empire, the learned ones among the Aztec filled numerous volumes with philosophical and ethical thought in testimony recorded by Spanish priests. However, these have been largely overlooked and Westerners often see Aztec culture as a matter for history, anthropology, and archaeology--not the elevated realms of philosophy. Sebastian Purcell aims to change that.

The Outward Path refers to the central insight that our true desire as human beings is not really for "happiness," a fleeting mood. No, what we really want is a rich and worthwhile life, which we can only achieve by pursuing an outward path of engagement with other people. Wisdom is not a matter of "thinking for oneself," but comes through deliberating well in concert with others. Stoic and Buddhist philosophies will teach you to still your mind to address the outside world; but according to the Aztecs, we should cultivate healthy relationships first and then use those to forge a path forward. This "outward path" offers an alternative to the presumptions of our highly individualistic, competitive Western culture, with its epidemic of loneliness and other social ills.

Aztec self-help for the modern world, The Outward Path is the first book in any modern language to present the core ethical principles of the Aztecs. It not only takes a step to correct centuries of misrecognition but provides us with surprising insights about how to address concerns common to everyone, from how to make a good decision or strengthen your willpower, to how to sustain love and survive tragedy. Structured around twelve lessons and seven practical exercises, it's an ethical workout routine designed to help you become a better person--one more deeply rooted and fulfilled.

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Modern-day values prioritize individualism and the pursuit of happiness, but philosopher and cryptocurrency hedge fund manager Sebastian Purcell points to Aztec wisdom to show how we must actually look outward to create a rooted life. With twelve ancient lessons, he explains that:

- Happiness, in the euphoric sense, is not a sustainable goal.

- Great courage is demonstrated through small, incremental actions.

- The wise don't think for themselves, but in concert with others.

- The words you use matter: Choose kinder and truer ones.

- A rooted life is a performance, not a product.

- Willpower is three things, not one.

- Justice is a path; fairness is accounting

- All are born unbalanced; some stand for a time.

Carving out a place for Aztec philosophy in popular culture alongside the ancient Greeks, the Stoics, and the Buddhists, The Outward Path makes rootedness and fulfillment an achievable, practical goal for modern readers.