The Middle Way: Finding Happiness in a World of Extremes
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Today, our global village is filled with strife, caused primarily by extremists of every kind, all unwilling to compromise. But there is a better way—a middle way—where we might discover common ground for peace, both personally and universally. Lou Marinoff, professor of philosophy and author of Plato, not Prozac, reveals the ABCs of finding that spiritually rich path: Aristotle, Buddha, and Confucius. Each of these wise men knew that extremism destroys happiness, health and harmony, and shared the supremely important notion that the main purpose of our existence is to lead a good life, here and now. In three sections, Marinoff examines the contemporary world and shows how the “Middle Way” provides solutions to our most pressing problems. Part One looks at civilizational dynamics that drive both cooperation and conflict across borders, and introduces each of the ABCs. The second segment focuses on some notorious extremes—including political polarization, and simmering religious, tribal, gender, cultural, and economic divides—and how the ABCs can reconcile them. And the third, final section enlightens us on how we all can apply the ABCs to the betterment of our own lives and humanity as a whole. A short list of recommended readings accompanies each chapter, along with illustrations, maps, and eye-opening charts. Publishers Weekly Buddha preached the "Middle Way," advising individuals to avoid the extremes of behavior and thought: if one engages with tolerance and moderation, one will find enlightenment. Marinoff, a "philosophical counselor" and Buddhist practitioner, teaches that the "ABCs" of Aristotle, Buddha and Confucius can pave the way not just to happiness but to finding balance in an increasingly globalized world. The book starts strong, with five chapters relating these ABCs to the individual. But the second part, which extends the conceit to dealing with drugs, poverty, terrorism and other global problems, is less successful. Marinoff's inclination toward rant over reason may polarize readers rather than driving them toward the prescribed balance and thoughtfulness. For example, he writes, "Whenever some inane American billboard or subway advertisement asks me, 'Is your child on drugs?' I sometimes think, 'I sure as hell hope so.' Good drugs may be his best chance of getting off all the bad drugs... the Ritalin... the televangelism... and the Starbucks coffee." Though Marinoff says, "I too have finally been driven to an extreme-the extreme center. It's peaceful here, and quiet," his book is anything but quiet. Readers may wish for more solutions, indeed more of the Middle Way. (Oct.)Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
Acknowledgments vList of Illustrations viiIntroduction xiThe ABCsGlobalization and Its Discontents: Convergence and Conflict of Four Civilizations 3Aristotle's Golden Mean: Attaining Excellence and Happiness amid Unreason 43Buddha's Middle Way: Creating Value and Compassion amid Suffering 73Confucius's Balanced Order: Restoring Harmony and Virtue amid Discord 105ABC Geometry: Golden Mean, Middle Way, Balanced Order Are Deeply Related 133The Extremes and the ABCsPolitical Extremes: Polarized America and the Absence of a Common Good 167Sacred and Profane Extremes: Blind Faith versus Deaf Denial 207Tribal Extremes: Natural Dispersion and Cultural Commingling in the Global Village 247Pandora's Extremes: The Politicization of Sex Difference 289Cognitive Extremes: Oral, Written, Visual, and Digital Traditions 329Educational Extremes: Global Lag and the American Gulag 371Economic Extremes: Overabundance and Dire Dearth 415Totemic Extremes: McFoods, McDrugs, and Brave New McWorlds 461Middle Eastern Extremes: Stinging Scorpions and Free Figs 499Terrorist Extremes: Bombed If We Do, and Bombed If We Don't 541The ABCs Here and NowImporting the ABCs into Your Life: Exporting Them into Your Environment 587Endnotes 597Suggested Reading 612
