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This book is an introductory commentary on classical philosophical texts from around the world primarily aimed at high school and college students. Eleven experts, who have studied philosophy in various regions across a wide range of fields, including ancient China, Greece, India, and Japan, have described the essence of major philosophical works. To make the book accessible to high school students who are not accustomed to reading, the book is divided into smaller chapters, and the format is designed to convey the thoughts of individuals since ancient times while explaining the concepts discussed in classical philosophy books to address the questions and concerns that many young people today have.
 
It consists of three parts but can be read in any order. The first section discusses the question of what is a classic. The second part addresses specific questions, as described below. In the third section, the authors recommend books for young readers and provide a short commentary.
 
I would like to introduce some of the questions and concerns dealt with in this book.

-- I am easily influenced by other people's opinions.
-- I have a difficult relationship with my parents.
-- I feel like no one understands me.
-- What is the purpose of my life?
-- I want to find my true self.
-- What is the meaning of death?
-- I want to be useful to society.
-- What is the purpose of studying? 

Although these questions and concerns may appear similar to those of today's high school and college students, they are connected to questions that philosophers have been asking for thousands of years. Nowadays, people tend to think that it is easier to search for information on the Internet or use an artificial intelligence tool without bothering to read books, and gradually, people have started reading fewer books and the classics. This book was written to address the above questions and concerns while explaining the contents of classic books in an easy-to-understand manner.
 
The challenge that the authors faced when planning this book was whether the correct answers to life's questions existed. Philosophy is an endeavor to find solutions to the various problems that people encounter in their lives; however, in reality, no one or only one correct answer exists. For thousands of years, people living in various social contexts have been grappling with and reflecting on their problems. This book is an attempt to approach these questions and concerns not by providing answers but by considering them along with the readers using the classics as a key.
 

(Written by KAJIHARA Mieko, Professor, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology / 2024)