The Outward Path: The Wisdom of the Aztecs

Summary

A practical and eye-opening guide to the Aztec philosophy on how to live.

The Outward Path refers to the central insight that our true desire as human beings is not really for "happiness," a fleeting mood. 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, this is the first book in any modern language to present the core ethical principles of the Aztecs. It 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 exercises, it's an ethical workout routine designed to help you become a better person—one more deeply rooted and fulfilled.