Without my partner, Allison, whose inexhaustible focus on this manuscript cannot be measured, I don’t truly know how I could have accomplished what I did. She remained ever-present to support me, and our conversations about the content of the book proved to be a leap in our own intellectual growth.
It is my pleasant duty to thank my friend and erudite colleague, Reinhard Margreiter. The ongoing dialogues I enjoyed with this unique professor, altruist, and genuine practicing philosopher was like having ‘Epicurus’ showing up in my life as a mentor. He read the entire manuscript, made wise suggestions, and constantly referred me to more sources. I am, as always, indebted to Michael Morony of UCLA, a highly critical thinker and a well- accomplished scholar, who despite his busy schedule read the final version of the manuscript. I am humbled by his supportive words.