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Before Dropping Dead!

Author Interview
Michael Tate Author Interview

Philosophical Tidbits is an engaging collection of musings, observations, and reflections with a philosophical point of view covering real life and real-world issues. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Thank you for your probing question!

I honestly feel that Philosophical Tidbits can help people cope with the vagaries that are always connected to everyday living. Not to say that Philosophical Tidbits is “important”, thank you, but I feel the book can provide a “life can and is extremely challenging but through it all, all will eventually turn out well” optimism for anyone looking forward to a possibly brighter day. I also wanted, via the book, to make people think about (question?) long-held beliefs and traditions (i.e. “is this belief/tradition a valid belief/tradition and, if so, why is it a valid belief/tradition?”) I also wanted people to understand, via the book, that the world is not necessarily a Pollyanna world but balance that somewhat dark view by demonstrating that optimism has the ability to offset pessimism.

How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?

Research was born and forged via real-life experiences and observations. The real world, in my opinion, is the best teacher someone could ever hope to have. I’ve been working on Philosophical Tidbits since junior high school (I’m considerably beyond my junior high school years!). I finally, in 2016, put the musings on paper and copyrighted the work. It was in 2022 that I decided to have the book published. Even though I’ve spent considerable time shaping the work, as I had presented it to Literary Titan, it seemed no time at all to me.

What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?

To finish the book before dropping dead! Seriously, however, my goal was to give readers an opportunity to reflect on their lives, good and/or not so good, by using Philosophical Tidbits as a template. By this I mean that I’m certain everyone has a nascent Philosophical Tidbits within them so I hope my book will spur others to write their version of Philosophical Tidbits for the reading world to enjoy, experience, and to inspire themselves and inspire others toward higher aims and positive achievements.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Philosophical Tidbits?

That Philosophical Tidbits was a fun read and provided a measure of comfort, humor, and optimism in a world that could use more humor and more optimism within it.

Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads

Philosophical renderings for everyday people.

Philosophical Tidbits contains nearly 950 original, fuel-for-thought aphorisms-proverbs that will move the reader with its poignant messages and tickle the reader with its humorous bent. Aspects of life, death, marriage, sex, hope, fulfillment, society, kids, friendship, tragedy, God, the world, and other real-life, real-world issues and concerns, are touched-upon within the pages of Philosophical Tidbits. There is something interesting, new, and fun for everyone within the pages of Philosophical Tidbits!

Philosophical Tidbits is “Dedicated to philosophers of all kinds and all faiths…past, present, and future…”

Philosophical Tidbits

Philosophical Tidbits is an engaging collection of musings, observations, and reflections with a philosophical bent. The author, Michael Tate, delves into an array of life’s facets, blending serious contemplation with humor. This mix offers readers a distinctive view of life’s varied aspects. The book serves as a thought-provoking journey, inviting readers to explore the complexities of human experience. Tate’s knack for combining wit and wisdom allows for an exploration of diverse topics, ranging from introspective thoughts to societal commentary.

Tate’s writing style is both engaging and contemplative, encouraging readers to reflect on life’s intricacies through a narrative that is imaginative yet grounded in adult experiences. He skillfully juxtaposes lighter topics with profound philosophical queries, adding depth to his musings. The reflections, covering everything from personal relationships to societal issues, resonate due to their relatable nature and the author’s insightful observations on humanity’s imperfections. Tate’s use of humor is a key aspect of his work, providing a counterbalance to the more serious philosophical themes. His quips, such as “He that can see the future shall rule the world” and “If a child asks, answer. If a man asks, wonder,” inject a playful element into the narrative.

Moreover, the book bravely tackles often-shunned subjects like politics, justice, and belief systems, sparking vital discussions about societal perceptions. While the book offers insightful perspectives, it also presents a level of cynicism and skepticism, particularly regarding societal constructs and belief systems. Tate’s views on truth, ignorance, and justice showcase a critical, questioning mindset, which I feel might challenge some readers. The book’s more pointed critiques of established beliefs might not appeal to everyone, but I believe those who look beyond will find the work enriching.

Philosophical Tidbits is a stimulating read for enthusiasts of philosophical discourse, especially those who appreciate a blend of humor and skepticism. Tate’s ability to convey mature experiences with childlike imagination adds a novel dimension to the philosophical discussions. The book stands out not only for its broad range of topics but also for its forthright approach to expressing thoughts that many might harbor but seldom voice. It serves as an intriguing catalyst for deeper conversations and encourages a departure from conventional social norms in pursuit of honest dialogue.

Pages: 89 | ISBN : 0578269473

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