Q: "How is it possible to simplify our lives and to teach children to want less? We are surrounded by things, advertising, media, etc.?"

A: "When adults explore the concept of gratitude with children, and dig below the surface to discover together what really matters, as gratitude expands the desire for things shrinks. Working with children to think about others and their needs, and to help out when and where they can, opens the heart and empties stores. Take a credit card statement and go over it with a child. Talk about the purchases, the ones that you remember! Show them the cost of things that do not last. Toys are not us."

Q: "I really need to talk to my child about death. What do you suggest?"

A: "There is no "right" way; the point is to talk about it. Often people ask what the most "popular" chapter is in Little Big Minds. If by that they mean the chapter most turned to when needed, it is surely the chapter on death. I have never been to a school for more than a few visits when the children ask to discuss it. The frightening thing for them is adult refusal to talk about the inevitable reality that lurks in the nooks and crannies of the universe. I visited a fourth grade classroom in which death had been the topic in the children's philosophy circle for many weeks, and it was as close a group as I have ever encountered. Their teacher and many of them were forced to face a painful death recently, and their dialogue clearly had provided immense comfort. Be willing to talk. You will be amazed at the direction the conversation takes. Here's one of my favorites from a second grader: "Maybe if we just lived to the max we wouldn't even have a word for death."

Q: "I told my wife I was coming to your talk, and she said that ‘philosophy was just '*$!#*.' What would you say to my wife?"

A: "I would say that her language is quite colorful! And I would agree that when academic philosophers intentionally remove their discipline from the reach of people like you and me, she is right. But when I define philosophy as "the art of clear thinking," I view it as absolutely essential both to our individual wellbeing and also to our planetary survival as a species. Mental clarity is as necessary as oxygen; introspection produces soul food. Honest dialogue increases awareness for all involved. How can you engage in genuine, heart-to-heart conversation if you have not figured out the core ingredients of communication? How can you stay on the road to happiness if you have not inquired into its meaning? What about love? Why don't we engage in more local and national discussions about the meaning of justice? What is the essence of education at any age? Our ideas drive our lives; utmost care is a must. And I would whisper to your wife that I have a couple of books for her!"

Q: "Can you give us real life examples that would inspire hope despite difficulties?"

A: "The human capacity for empathy, the willingness to share pain and to stay there with it, makes a believer out of me. People in your town, in my town, in Egypt, in Haiti, in Afghanistan, in Japan...surround those who are physically and emotionally wounded and hold on tight. Ties between individuals multiply and then forge the bonds that create communities. The healing power found within inclusive community is the most powerful source of hope for our fragile planet that I know. Relationship is everything. Resonating with the pieces that woven together make up our planet would surely make for a fine life: the cloud, the heron, the human neighbor  and the dog neighbor, the tree...all of it. Opening the doors wide to myriad connections solidifies our sense of belonging.  Speaking at a gathering of Nobel Peace Prize winners, The Dalai Lama concluded his remarks this way: ‘The only mistake that you can make is to give up hope. Never give up hope.' The theme of this festival is itself testimony to Hope."