The wisdom of later life may be the key to shaping a more compassionate and creative future. Michael C. Patterson’s new book, Welcoming Wisdom, explores how mature minds can live fully, age boldly, and help guide humanity toward greater flourishing
WELCOMING WISDOM
Welcoming Wisdom reframes aging as a profound opportunity. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and contemplative traditions, Patterson shows how later life can be a time of growth, creativity, and purpose. This book offers practical provocations for cultivating attention, benevolence, connection, and gratitude — tools for living wisely at any age.
INSIDE
WELCOMING WISDOM
FLOURISHING - This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding what we mean by flourishing and how to cultivate it as we age.
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THE ACCIDENTAL MIND - Why is it so hard to flourish? Because the human brain is still evolving and working out the kinks. It is a patchwork of kluge-like components that can produce brilliance, but can also lead to confusion, alientation and self doubt.
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THE MATURE MIND - Mature minds are uniquely positioned to effectively mnanage their minds and, therefore, have the responsibility to use their wisdom to craft a better future.
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A SECOND AXIAL AGE - The era around 800-500 BC saw a radical shift in human consciousness, with the rise of meta-awareness. We are now at a similar inflection stage that can, if properly guided, move the human mind to become both wiser and kinder.
THE WELCOMING WISDOM SERIES
This three-book series explores how mature minds can thrive and contribute to cultural evolution:
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Book One: Welcoming Wisdom — Foundations of flourishing and the mature mind. [Preorder now.]
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Book Two: Managing Wisdom — Seven provocations (Attention to Gratitude) for living fully and aging boldly. [Winter, 2025]
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Book Three: Scaffolding Wisdom — Extending wisdom into cultural and planetary well-being. [Summer 2026]