I agree completely. I do not believe everyone must be a philosopher, however, to seek as much truth as they are capable of learning and to live according the truth they can understand. I find evasion of the truth is the dominant psychological state of most individuals, regardless of their intellectual ability.
human nature is fixed
Absolutely. But, that nature is unlimited in terms of what it can achieve by choice, which is the fundamental nature of every human being.
Just curious, where did you find, "a book list that ostensibly was a good overview of what one needs to know," on Diana's site? You may be selling her a little short; the only "book list" I know of are some books she reviews which she reads mostly for pleasure. If there is a serious list, I would be interested in seeing it.
Hank
here's the URL: http://strongbrains.com/default.htm