This groundbreaking book is the latest one by visionary Charles D. Hayes, whose other volumes include "Beyond the American Dream," "The Rapture of Maturity," and "Self-University." In "Existential Aspirations," he draws on his expertise as a social critic, political analyst, and existential philosopher while shedding revolutionary light on a wide range of exciting topics, including the meaning of life, the challenge of death, the follies of war, the paradoxical nature of happiness, and the untapped potential of the intellect. Hayes offers many penetrating insights into the pathologies of consumer culture and the aberrations that have wormed their way into democracy, capitalism, justice, and human relationships at both the interpersonal and international level. While Hayes examines the ongoing death of mind in the modern age, as with his other books one finds oneself inspired by his reverence for ideas, curiosity, creativity, and intellectual discovery as they can bring passion to life and re-awaken our humanity. This extraordinary book concludes with a highly stimulating treasure trove of aphorisms by Hayes, each one expressing universal truths that elevate one to a higher level of consciousness. "Existential Aspirations" leaves no doubt that Charles D. Hayes is one of the greatest pure thinkers of our current era, and this book is a must-read for all thinking people.

-- John Schumaker