Many of us humans think we are happy and complete, but very few attain this kind of completeness that is achieved through an in-depth exploration of ourselves.

A person cannot be a true human being if they do not know who and what they are; and they achieve this self-knowledge not only when they see themselves as an angel but also when they recognize themselves as an animal. . . Human beings, as well as all that is human, are and will always be a bundle of greatness and horror.

Humanity, kindness, sensitivity, and compassion for others, fellowship with others, and generosity make a person cultured and our world better. Without these, the beauty of art, the inventiveness of science, the literary wisdom, and the profound thoughts of philosophers not only fail to improve the state of the world but often support its brutality.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]