The answers Book

I am going to ask this book I have called “The Answers” – By Neil Somerville. I will be asking some questions about life and humanity in general. I am going to flick through the pages until my body and mind tells me to stop and that will be my answer.

Is it possible to live a normal life and not ever tell a lie?

Answer: “From little things men go on to great.”- Dutch Proverb, “Nurture hopes so they may develop and grow”

Does a person’s name influence the person they become?

Answer: “We are what we repeatedly do.” – Aristotle, “Make sure current actions are in line with your aims.”

Is suffering a necessary part of the human condition?

Answer: “Rather light a candle than complain about darkness.” – Chinese Proverb, “take constructive action”

What would people who never suffered be like?

Answer: “Act to make it happen.”

How likely is it that humans will last another 1,000 years without killing ourselves off?

Answer: “Believe one who has tried it.” – Virgil, “Seek out those with experience.”

Is free will real or just an illusion?

Answer: “Various are the roads to fame.” – Italian Proverb, “Do not feel restricted to one course when others too could benefit.”

Is there a meaning to life?

Answer: “Decide on your purpose and act.”

What should be the goal of humanity?

Answer: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot, “Do not give up on your aims.”

Does fate exist?

Answer: “Do what you can and is within your grasp.”

Do we have free will?

Answer: “Suit yourself to the times.” – German Proverb, “Be flexible in approach.”

What does it mean to live a good life?

Answer: “Take heart. The seeds of success are often born through difficulty.”

Why do we dream?

Answer: “Look closely at misgivings. They will tell much.”

Is humanity headed in the right direction?

Answer: “The way of progress is neither swift nor easy.”- Marie Curie, “it is worth greater determination.”

What life-altering things should every human ideally get to experience at least once in their lives?

Answer: “Concentrate on what you can do rather than what you cannot.”

What is the most important goal every person should have?

Answer: “Let go of unhelpful influences.”

Does absolute power corrupt absolutely?

Answer: “Allow time. There is still much to do and understand.”

Why do we judge ourselves by our intentions but judge others by their actions?

Answer: “Help another and in some way you too will be helped.”

What is the biggest waste of human potential?

Answer: “Never desert your own line of talent.” – Sydney Smith, “Put your strengths to good use.”

Is it possible for a human to understand the true depths of reality and existence?

Answer: “Use talents well. Aim for the best.”

Can human nature be changed?

Answer: “To succeed, make sure present actions are in line with aims.”

Should it be changed?

Answer: “Turn intention to action.”

Why are humans so susceptible to magical thinking?

Answer: “The will is everything.” – Italian Proverb, “Be determined.”

Why are humans so confident in beliefs that can’t be proven?

Answer: “Do not hang up all on one nail.” – German Proverb, “Take precautions.”

Why do humans have such a strong urge to distract ourselves from the real world?

Answer: “Be wary of falsehood.”

Are there limits to human creativity?

Answer: “Do not be held back by reversals try again – wiser and better prepared.”

Would you be able to tell if time had been altered in some way?

Answer: “Be wary of unhelpful influences. They could undermine much.”

I believe many of these answers to be very insightful and thought provoking. Some answers may not make sense because the book is based on general yes or no questions but I feel I have learned a lot and now have much to think about.