The book does not aim to survey the history of philosophy, however it does sample ways of searching the thoughts of great philosophers. The goal of this book is to give the reader a brief, fleeting information, to initiate an interest in Western philosophy and its sources. All parts of the book-a collection of original citations, philosophical essays and philosophical fairy tales-give a wider spectrum for the reader’s imagination. Such a constellation of readings invites comparison, analyses and interpretation. Edward Schwartz’ overriding concern is to enable readers not only to comprehend but also to interpret events on their own. One Step Forward, Two Steps Backward, like all Edward Schwartz’ books, is about the noble capacity in each of us to discover the truth and to live by it.