Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our book, ordering, and philosophy.
About The Book
Q: What is The Contradicted Existence about?
Twenty-four philosophical essays examining the fundamental contradictions of human existence. It synthesizes Western existentialism (Nietzsche, Camus, Spinoza) with Eastern mysticism (Ibn Arabi, Buddhism) to explore selfishness, consciousness, free will, death, love, and power. This is not self-help or transformation literature—it's philosophical inquiry examining what is, not what we wish to be.
Q: Is this book for me?
✓ This book is for you if:
- • You value honest inquiry over comfortable answers
- • You're tired of philosophy that avoids difficult questions
- • You can engage with ideas you may ultimately reject
- • You want substance over self-help platitudes
✗ This book is NOT for you if:
- • You seek transformation or self-help
- • You want confirmation of existing beliefs
- • You're uncomfortable with controversial perspectives
- • You can't distinguish engagement from endorsement
Q: I heard Chapter 8 is controversial. What's in it?
Chapter 8 ("The Interdependence of Men and Women") examines gender dynamics through the lens of complementary rather than identical roles—a perspective outside contemporary consensus. Many readers will disagree with it. The work does not seek agreement; it examines a viewpoint honestly. Read critically. Reject what doesn't withstand your scrutiny.
Q: Can I read a sample before purchasing?
Sample chapter (Chapter 1: "You Are Selfish") is coming soon, pending author approval. It will be available free as a PDF download.
Ordering & Formats
What formats are available?
- Paperback: $19.99 • 5" × 8" • Perfect bound • Matte finish
- Ebook (PDF): $9.99 • Instant download • All devices • Searchable
- Hardcover: $33.00 • 5.5" × 8.5" • Dust jacket • Premium binding
Which format should I choose?
Paperback: Best balance of affordability and physical book experience. Portable, durable.
Ebook: Instant access, searchable, lowest price. Good for trying the work before committing to physical.
Hardcover: Premium quality for collectors or those who value lasting physical books.
How do I order?
Visit the book page and click your preferred format. All orders processed securely through Stripe. We never see your card details.
Do you offer bulk discounts?
Yes! For orders of 10+ copies (universities, book clubs, organizations), we offer volume discounts and customized invoicing. Contact bulk@mentisaura.com for pricing.
Shipping & Delivery
How does print-on-demand work?
When you order a physical book, it's printed fresh specifically for you through our global production network. This ensures quality, eliminates waste, and allows fair pricing. Timeline: 1-3 days production + 5-10 days shipping = typically 7-14 days total from order to delivery.
How long until I receive my order?
Physical books: 7-14 business days (1-3 days production + 5-10 days shipping)
Ebooks: Instant delivery via email after payment confirmation
International orders: 10-21 business days depending on location
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship worldwide through our global production network. Shipping times vary by location (see above). International orders may be subject to customs duties/taxes (buyer responsibility).
How do I track my order?
You'll receive a tracking number via email when your book ships. If tracking shows no movement for 7+ days, contact support@mentisaura.com.
Returns & Refunds
Can I return the book if I don't like it?
No. All sales are final.
Due to print-on-demand (each book printed specifically for you), we cannot accept returns for content dissatisfaction, philosophical disagreement, change of mind, or duplicate orders. Before purchasing: read the sample chapter, review the complete chapter list, and understand the book's philosophical approach.
What if my book arrives damaged?
We will replace defective products at no cost. Contact support@mentisaura.com within 30 days with photos of the damage. We'll send a replacement via expedited shipping.
Defects we replace: damaged/torn/missing pages, broken binding, significant printing errors, severe transit damage.
What about ebook refunds?
Ebook purchases are final once downloaded. We cannot "take back" digital content. No refunds for content dissatisfaction, device compatibility (PDF is universal), or changed mind.
About Mentis Aura
What does "Mentis Aura" mean?
Mentis Aura means "The Breeze of Mind." Like wind carrying seeds across distances, ideas move most freely when unobstructed—not forced through algorithms, not filtered by committees, not shaped for commercial appeal. We are the breeze. The work is what it carries.
Why publish independently instead of traditional publishing?
Traditional publishing requires compromise. Committees determine what's "marketable." Algorithms decide what readers see. Editorial intervention softens edges. We built infrastructure to bypass these filters—print-on-demand eliminates warehouse costs, direct sales remove platform algorithms, no committees soften content. Philosophy requires infrastructure equal to its ambition.
Will there be more books?
Yes. Additional philosophical works will be published as the catalog develops. Expect 1-2 new titles annually. We build for decades, not quarters. Each work requires years of thought, not months of production.
About The Author
Who is Nassim El Hassouni?
Philosopher and founder of Mentis Aura. Born in Morocco, educated across continents, he writes philosophy examining existence without compromise. His work synthesizes Western existentialism with Eastern mysticism. He maintains minimal public presence, believing distance from audience enables authentic inquiry. See the full author bio.
Does the author have social media?
No. The author maintains no social media presence. No Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or other platforms. The work speaks; the thinker remains peripheral.
Can I contact the author directly?
No. The author does not respond to personal correspondence, interview requests, or casual inquiries. All communication is handled by Mentis Aura staff via contact@mentisaura.com.
Will the author do interviews or podcasts?
Rarely. The author grants few interviews, focusing on ideas rather than personality. Most interview requests are declined. Criteria for consideration: established philosophical publications/podcasts, audience genuinely interested in serious inquiry, focus on ideas not personal narrative. Contact press@mentisaura.com.
Technical Questions
What ebook format do you use?
PDF format, compatible with all standard PDF readers on all devices (computers, tablets, phones, e-readers). The PDF is searchable and allows adjustable display size on most devices.
Is there an audiobook version?
Not currently. Audiobook edition is under consideration for future release.
Is my payment information secure?
Yes. All payments processed through Stripe, one of the world's most secure payment platforms (PCI Level 1 certified). Your card information is encrypted end-to-end, never touches our servers, and is never stored by Mentis Aura.
Do you store my personal data?
We collect only what's necessary: email (order confirmation), shipping address (physical books only), name (shipping). We never sell your data, share with advertisers, or track you across websites. See our Privacy Policy.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly and we'll respond within 24-48 hours.
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