Review: Indigo Wisdom offers clarity, direction, and values that are timeless
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 11, 2012
In an age where we hear about Indigo Children, one might wonder if Indigo Wisdom is somehow connected with this concept. The short answer is, "Yes, it is." You might be confused, then, since recognition of people who are Indigos has only come into public consciousness within the past decade and a half or so. So, what does an ancient Greek have to do with Indigos?? First, this book points out that the basic problems of today are the same basic problems of 2,000 years ago. In our society, we tragically have a growing number of children who grow up in adverse circumstances and youth/young adults often have no role models. Epictetus was born into slavery and thus shared some emotional circumstances with youth who are living 2,000 year after him. Anyone who says that their circumstances are so difficult and adverse that no one else can understand should read this book and see if maybe, just maybe, Epictetus understood. Indigos have grown up in a society in which we distrust institutions and Indigos tend to see more clearly through the facade of superficiality. Epictetus lived and taught values, which transcend superficial things like personality and "saying the right thing." If you struggle with trying to live a values-based life in this chaotic world that is primarily driven by superficial ethics, this book is for you. Teachings such as knowing what you can and cannot control, disappointment coming from chasing what is beyond what one can control, and not demanding for things to happen as you wish but rather for things to happen as they happen, are current with what many call "New Age." As Rivera and Waller point out, true wisdom is timeless. The translation of Epictetus' teachings are numbered and thus read like a list of proverbs with the exception that most are more fully-explained. What is perhaps the most valuable is that Rivera offers her translation of the Enchiridion (a book containing essential information on a subject) followed by Elizabeth Carter's translation. The result is that the reader can compare the two, which as in the case of reading different translations of any wisdom literature, more insight is gained. This is a great resource for people who like to read something inspirational or insightful, contemplate on it, and then write reflections in a journal. I highly recommend it for that. The wisdom contained in this book will definitely make you think. Whether you have had strong, moral guides in your life or had none, Indigo Wisdom will strengthen your moral compass.