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This newsletter (Grow, Learn, Teach) is an extension of the school. The intention is to create a more dynamic sharing of information and insight within the Systems Within Systems community. To subscribe, please send an email to kungfunewsletter@aol.com. Questions or comments on the content or requests for permission to reprint articles should be sent to GLTEditor@aol.com.

Systems Within Systems offers private and small-group lessons in these disciplines, as well as self-defense and wellness programs for corporate clients. For more information, contact Systems Within Systems.

Not Finding Answers? Maybe It's Time to Try Some New Questions

Do you want to clear a room in record time? Start talking about metaphysics. Why do people's eyes glaze over when the topic of conversation turns to philosophy, particularly philosophy at its most abstract levels - metaphysics and epistemology? Perhaps it's because they are daunted by the magnitude of the questions raised by these disciplines. Or perhaps it is because people believe these esoteric subjects bear little relevance to their "real" life.

Systems Within Systems is deeply concerned with philosophy because philosophy is deeply concerned with the important questions of human existence: Who am I? What is real? What is true? How do I know what I think I know?

These questions may seem abstract, but they are at the heart of the anxiety and confusion most people today feel in their lives, their work, and their personal relationships. If you don't actively seek answers to these questions, there is someone out there who will be more than willing to supply the answers for you. Whose interests do you suppose those answers will serve?

Honest inquiry into abstract questions of philosophy has the same effect on the mind and spirit as the abstract physical movements of kung fu and tai chi chuan have on the muscles, tendons, and joints. They can be painful and boring and seem meaningless, but over time they expand and improve the mind and spirit every bit as much as the physical training expands and improves the performance of your body.

Because Systems Within Systems is concerned with philosophy, it respects and encourages honest inquiry. Please think of Grow, Learn, Teach not as a purveyor of absolute truth but as a vehicle for shared inquiry. Questions about technical martial arts issues and the Systems Within Systems approach to living should be sent to kungfunewsletter@aol.com. All questions will receive respectful attention and be shared through this newsletter. Those who wish to broaden their wisdom should persue the books listed in Learn More.