The Outward Path: The Wisdom of the Aztecs

by Sebastian Purcell Narrated by Eric Jason Martin

Overview

A practical and eye-opening guide to the Aztec philosophy on how to live.



The Outward Path refers to the central insight that our true desire as human beings is not really for "happiness," a fleeting mood. 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, this is the first book in any modern language to present the core ethical principles of the Aztecs. It 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 exercises, it's an ethical workout routine designed to help you become a better person-one more deeply rooted and fulfilled.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Part philosophical life manual, part introduction to Aztec philosophy, this eminently readable book presents the neltiliztli as a distinctive approach to life’s big questions—one that emphasizes rootedness, vulnerability, and the pursuit of justice. Read it for a vision of how to navigate these tumultuous, uncertain times."— Serene Khader, author of Faux Feminism

"Brilliantly enlightening and relatable, The Outward Path is a clear and compelling gateway to the underappreciated wisdom of Aztec philosophy. Offering insightful takeaways and practical guidance for modern challenges, this profound book is essential reading for all who seek a more fulfilling and meaningful existence."— Skye Cleary, author of How to Be Authentic

"Lessons on achieving the good life, from a surprising source."— Kirkus

Kirkus Reviews

2025-05-30
Aztecs bring to mind gold and human sacrifice, but it turns out they were a philosophical people.

Purcell, an associate professor of philosophy at SUNY-Cortland in New York, last published the first English translation of a long metaphysical discourse compiled by a 16th-century Spanish friar. In this book, he explains it. Beginning at the beginning, Purcell asks the question at the basis of Western philosophy: What is our main goal in life? Conventionally, it’s been the pursuit of happiness, a goal stated literally by Thomas Jefferson but previously given a nod of approval by Aristotle. Few take this literally, preferring to aim for a “good life.” To followers of most religions, it means obeying divine laws and achieving redemption after death. A few religions (Purcell emphasizes Buddhism) and serious philosophers (Purcell adds an entire school, Stoicism) emphasize that there is no divine plan. Life’s value isn’t in achieving grace but in the quality of our struggle here on earth. Aztec thinkers asked, “What does life look like without the possibility of redemption?” Their answer, like that of Stoics and Buddhists (though for different reasons) is that you will be fine because everything of value is already present in a well-lived life. Purcell’s first chapters will persuade most readers that ingenious insights lie ahead. They’ll be right, but Aztec philosophy (like quantum physics, the Constitution, or evolution) is a complex subject. In a series of Lessons, a “Postface” summary, and three dense appendices, he maintains that Aztec ethics emphasize one’s role in society. It “challenges Stoicism, Buddhism, and other philosophies, which hold that by working on your own, inner self first, you’ll find a way to happiness and fulfillment.” To which Purcell adds, “What makes life worth living also makes it fragile. You are not after happiness, and you are not after invulnerability…but instead a life of meaning.”

Lessons on achieving the good life, from a surprising source.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940195339852
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	08/05/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged

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