I'm good for my sake...

About the Book

At a social gathering about ten years ago, Gosta Oleander, a fraternal friend, asked me the question: what is the Absolute? The only answer I could give him at that time was: something that exists by itself but lacks evidence. During the past years, I have made a study of philosophy and read many books on the subject, in trying to find a better answer. The greatest problem in developing a philosophy is to conceive a natural morality whereby one can be persuaded to virtue without the stimulus of supernatural hopes and fears. In this I personally feel a study of the works of the numerous philosophers and the utilization of logical reason and foresight have all helped me develop a conception of a rational system of ethics. The study led me to develop a personal philosophy and a system of ethics I termed “eudemonism.” It closely follows the dictionary definition of this system of ethics and includes my best answer to the question. In outlining this philosophy, I tried to adhere to simple basic issues that are not philosophical complexities. It includes many thoughts and direct quotations of learned men. I have tried to organize and express their words and aptly expressed ideas as my own. My wife Elsie has been most helpful in developing this concept, we have spent many pleasant hours discussing and reviewing the many aspects of philosophy.

About the Author

Born in 1909 in Newark, New Jersey of a German immigrant father and a Swedish immigrant mother, Edward Otto Liebig grew up in Kearney, New Jersey in a Scandinavian community. In 1913 his father died from tuberculosis. As his mother was unable to care for the children, Edward was sent to an orphanage, The Norwegian Home for Boys in Kearney; his sister Elizabeth was sent to live with a cousin of her father. After high school Edward was hired by Engelhard, Ltd. The head of the company, Mr. Charles Engelhard, Sr. became his mentor. He worked for Engelhard, Ltd. until he retired. He was a gentle and courteous man. He married his high school sweetheart, Elsie Liebig. They were devoted to their families, sustaining various members as they grew older. They were members of the Vasa Order of America, a Swedish American fraternal organization, which even now maintains a large property near Hackensack, New Jersey. As members of the Swedish Folk Dance group they performed at the Swedish Pavilion in the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City. Edward was a natural musician who taught himself to play the piano, the guitar and the ukulele. He knew how to enjoy life. He was not a religious man; however, he took his responsibilities seriously. Clearly, he took the time to study and read widely. This book is the result of a lifetime effort to develop his personal philosophy of life.