This book is a collection of 80 short essays on a very broad range of philosophical topics. They are written in a question-and-answer format so that readers may find it easier to understand often complicated philosophical concepts. This book is intended to serve four purposes: first, showing to the reader that philosophy is not just for philosophers or professors; it is everywhere; second, introducing some of the most important philosophical questions; third, provoking some thoughts and stimulating a little intellectual inspiration; and fourth, making the study of philosophy a little easier by providing basic information and knowledge about philosophy and some well-known philosophers. No specific sequence is followed in the arrangement of these essays because each essay stands on its own and can be read independently. This books is mostly for those who are interested in philosophy as well as the college students who are taking an introductory course in philosophy.

THE AUTHOR’S NOTE

It is with great pleasure that I present this little book to you. It is a collection of 80 short essays on a broad range of philosophical topics. They were not essays at first, though, but written notes of my philosophical thoughts. As a college professor who teaches philosophy from time to time, I take much delight in philosophical thinking whenever and wherever it is possible. When I read a thought-provoking book, or sit on a quiet commuter train, or just take a walk in the colors of the sunset light on the beach, I find myself wondering about big questions. I also have a habit of recalling and writing down random but serious thoughts on my iPad. Over the years, I have jotted down hundreds of notes, some of which were later on developed into mini-essays and posted on social media for the purpose of sharing my thoughts with friends. The majority of the essays in this collection originated from my social media postings. Each posting focused on one particular question, covering a variety of philosophical subjects over the years. Not until recently, however, did I decide to assemble them and publish them as a book. It took me just under a year to revise, expand, and sometimes rewrite them. Finally, it is now in your hand.

I did not follow any special sequence when arranging these essays because each essay stands on its own and can be read independently. They are written in a question-and-answer format because I believe it to be the best way of doing philosophy. But keep in mind that most philosophical questions are open-ended questions. I therefore do not merely discuss one answer. Instead, I present in most essays several different answers for you to decide which makes more sense to you. The question-and-answer format is also the easiest way to approach philosophy for beginners whom this book is intended for. To help beginners better understand the often complicated concepts of philosophy, I have kept the casual and conversational style that was initially used in my social media postings. I know it for a fact that big textbooks and bookish language only make a subject more boring and intimidating to beginners. This is particularly true with philosophy.

This book is intended to serve four purposes: first, showing to you that philosophy is not just for philosophers or professors; it is everywhere; second, introducing to you some of the most important philosophical questions that I have reflected on; third, provoking some thoughts and stimulating a little intellectual inspiration in you; and fourth, making your study of philosophy a little easier by providing basic information and knowledge about philosophy and those well-known philosophers whom I am most familiar with.

I want to thank many of my colleagues and friends for spending time engaging in numerous intelligent conversations with me and for sharing their brilliant philosophical opinions. My thanks also go to my students, many of whom read some of my original notes in the form of class handouts and provided me with encouraging feedback. Their eagerness to learn was a major reason for me to publish this book.

Whether you are a college student who is taking an introductory course in philosophy or you are a very ordinary person who is just interested in philosophy, I hope you will enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.