We explored the meaninglessness that dominates life today in Meaning and Creativity, the first book of the series. Then we face a great challenge when we take up a path to meaning in the second book, The Abyss Absolute. This last book accounts for how it is possible for us today to exist so long under meaningless conditions without realizing it. So empty is life without meaning that it could continue only with the help of an extremely powerful illusion. This compelling illusion is generated by competitiveness in nearly everything we do-even in our supposed efforts to cooperate or function independently.
Competitiveness generates the illusion of value.
Therefore, we do not see the valuelessness of our lives even as we suffer from it. An inner journey, outwardly masking itself as a sojourn up the side of a high mountain, Stephen of the Holy Mountain seeks answers to the most perplexing questions that come to those who have awakened from the sleep of ordinary existence. The mysterious figure of Stephen acts as a guide both to the author and to many others who climb Stephen's mountain to find him. His advice is often too harsh for many who think they seek it. Unfailingly kind, however, Stephen does his best to aid all who come to him.