“This book is a comprehensive and compelling work that constitutes another moment in the grand corpus of the African philosopher Teodros Kiros! He is a towering figure!”

Cornel West, Union Theological Seminary

“Dr. Teodros Kiros goes on an amazing philosophical exploration in his new book, and tasks us with the responsibility for further research. His thought process is intellectually dense yet easy to grasp for those interested in the origin of consciousness. A must read for the curious at heart (Ib)."

Prince Charles Alexander, Berklee College of Music

Zara Yacob's Inauguration of Modernity and Cardiocentrism is not only an introduction to African Ethiopian philosophical thought, but also an advanced analysis of the centrality of the heart in Zara Yacob's thought. Kiros goes as far as the Kemetian thinkers to enrich the reader's world with the intellectual-philosophical tradition of the Global South. He begins this journey from Ancient Egypt, through Zara Yacob, Modern Science, and even engages in the political philosophy of social justice of John Rawls. Without Kiros' brilliant critique and analysis, Zara Yacob's unique tradition of emphasizing the importance of the heart would be lost forever. To accomplish this daunting task, Kiros creates a super corpus of thought that describes what he sees as the central nodes of humanity's history of thought. What a privilege for contemporary readers!

Fekade Abebe, Tel Aviv University

Teodros Kiros limns the difficulties of writing, and in so doing proffers a follow up meditation on the modernity and afterlives of Zara Yacob that demands our utmost attention in the twenty first century and beyond.

Neil Roberts, Williams College

In Zara Zacob’s Inauguration of Modernity and Cardiocentrism, Teodros Kiros highlights the importance of the spiritual heart in the moral functioning of the brain and impacts how humans can live a meaningful life influenced by compassion, mental clarity, creativity, and emotional balance. In the general view of Kemet (ancient Egypt) as well as pre-colonial African cultures, the heart was more than a physical organ. It was also the site of consciousness and the fountain of wisdom that blended reason with emotions. Kiros’ book directs us to look within ourselves for the true meaning of life and be guided by our Heart-Brain.

Donald O. Charles, Managing Director, WoCap Fund

In his latest work, Teodros Kiros fuses Kemetian heart philosophy and Zara Yacob's rationality, which engage deeply with the principles of John Rawls, to propose a nuanced theory of empathy. This union builds upon Rawlsian ideas of justice and fairness through the lens of African philosophical traditions to ground human rationality in Kemetian Ma'at - or what Kiros submits as the thinking heart. In this work, Kiros continues a lifelong project to champion African philosophies that enrich our understanding of justice, rights, and human interconnectedness.

Fiona Harris-Ramsby, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University