Letters to a Young Philosopher

This work is in the form of letters written by an old philosopher, at the end of his career and life, to a young student. The letters cover a comprehensive introduction to philosophy, wisdom, and the art of thinking. Inspired from Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke, the letters of the old philosopher guide, instruct, and pass on wisdom to the student. In a lucid and conversational style, the old philosopher instructs the student on a range of issues such as love, education, friendship, violence, ignorance, mediocrity, and happiness. The style is both philosophical and literary.

Ramin Jahanbegloo is professor, vice dean, and executive director of Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Peace Studies, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana. He is a philosopher who has worked extensively to foster constructive dialogue between divergent cultures. In his efforts to promote argumentative tradition, he has interacted with scholars and intellectuals from all over the world, such as the Dalai Lama, Noam Chomsky, Ashis Nandy, and George Steiner, among others. He has authored several books, which have been translated into different languages. Some of these include 'Iran: Between Tradition and Modernity' (2004), 'The Spirit of India' (2008), 'The Gandhian Moment' (2013), 'Time Will Say Nothing' (2014), and a series of conversations with prominent intellectuals like Vandana Shiva, Richard Sorabji, Romila Thapar, and others.