Overview
During the twilight decades of their empire, the learned ones among the Aztec filled numerous volumes with philosophical and ethical thought in testimony recorded by Spanish priests. However, these have been largely overlooked and Westerners often see Aztec culture as a matter for history, anthropology, and archaeology—not the elevated realms of philosophy. Sebastian Purcell aims to change that.
The Outward Path refers to the central insight that our true desire as human beings is not really for “happiness,” a fleeting mood. No, 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, The Outward Path is the first book in any modern language to present the core ethical principles of the Aztecs. It not only takes a step to correct centuries of misrecognition but 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 practical exercises, it’s an ethical workout routine designed to help you become a better person—one more deeply rooted and fulfilled.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry The Outward Path (The Wisdom of the Aztecs), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of The Outward Path (The Wisdom of the Aztecs).