I wrote this book out of a sense of frustration. None of my questions were being answered by the books I read. On the occasions when I stayed the course (even though my frustration mounted with every page) hoping that the reward for my perseverance would be a supreme moment of epiphany, I was invariably disappointed. But then I realised I wasn't being fair. These books were providing me with information, theories, esoteric data, ancient philosophical musings, dry and dusty logic. Loads of it. What they were not doing was drawing any definite conclusions because they seemed reluctant to commit themselves. Why, I don't know---maybe their publishers wouldn't allow it for financial or political reasons. After all, this is only to be expected when you have more than one interest involved in any project. And so I said to myself, well, all it takes is for one person to listen carefully to all of what these books are saying and then to form his own conclusions. Because people's lives are busy. They work long hours and need their rest and relaxation. They don't have the time to sit down and try to make sense of all the information thrown at them about the meaning of life. The now. The hereafter. The why. The religious take on it all. So I decided to take on the task. Because why should I be afraid to voice my conclusions if deep down I know I am only trying to be honest. Completely honest. And if anyone should take issue, for whatever reason, why, let them. They, too, are entitled to their opinions. All I will know is that I would have done my best And yes, so I decided to write my own book. My own, completely personal conclusions on life and death. What makes sense to me. The writing of this book has given me tremendous peace . It is tempting to say that it will do the same for you, but that wouldn't be honest. The truth is, I don't know what it will do for you. I cannot know this until I know you. And sadly, I will never know you, except perhaps from the feedback you might choose to give me. So be warned, this is not a feel-good book. I'm not going to patronise you by trying to inspire you, by telling you it's a wonderful life. I'm not here for you to find yourself, or to try and compose a message which is uplifting and will hopefully sell me a million copies and make me rich---there are plenty of other guys out there already doing a really good job of that. I'm going to tell you like it is. Rather, what I think it is like. You may agree. You may not. But if I manage to hold your attention long enough to finish this book, that'll be more than enough for me. I will have succeeded. What I will go as far to say is that there is a good chance that you will be uplifted. You will be satisfied. And you will be at peace, just as I am now. Especially if you, like me, believe that the truth will set you free. IMPORTANT INFORMATION This book was written for young people--young people who need to enjoy life and not worry about deep philosophical questions like the ones found in heavyweight, scholarly texts. So don't expect to find Wittgenstein and his chums sitting in this book, waiting to pounce on you and send your mind reeling with conflicting arguments and complex reasoning. Because this author believes that what young people need is someone to quickly answer the question, "well, what's it all about?" at times when they watch the cruel hand of fate brush roughly past themselves or someone they know. When depression and general disillusionment rear their ugly heads from behind the living room sofa. Because it is then that a young person may feel the need for a guide. Someone who has completed all the hard work for them. Who has been there. Done that. Someone who has found the time to give deep thought to his own life and death. Someone who can provide a tentative blueprint for calm and inner peace, a freedom from fear and anxiety. Someone who sincerely believes they can provide a basis for sound mental health.