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What inspires the philosophy that is contained within all of the books that you've written?

From: Raymond E. Feist
Date: 23 November 2009

An interesting question.  If I have an "philosophy" it's predicated on my personal believe system.

I don't believe in a random universe.  I think it's such a complex system that it's impossible for the human mind to contain it.  A trillion mile long quasar?  What possible use has that in the scheme of things?  I do not know, but I'm willing to bet it does make sense to some being a hell of a lot smarter than me.

I don't believe that everything is "God's will," and that death, pain, destruction, children's diseases, etc. are part of "His plan."  I believe in systems and higher consciousness and energy enduring, but a guy with a white beard on a throne who sent his only begotten . . . etc?  Not so much.

But I do believe in Karma.  I believe that whatever you put out is what you get back, in spades.

So, ethical people do the right thing because it's the right thing to do.  That's Pug.  More than anyone I've written about, he's trying to do the right thing, no mater what the cost.

Arutha did the right thing because that's how he was brought up.

Jimmy did the right thing because he was trying to live up to Arutha's standards.

Mara did what she did to protect her own, and it changed an Empire.

Everyone's actions in my work are encompassed within that paradigm.

Best, R.E.F.

FAQ answers attributed to Raymond E. Feist are copyright by Raymond E. Feist.
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