-
5 out of 5
by
Joe
from
Los Angeles, CA | Oct 13, 2007
I have read quite a few of the original works from all the philosophers covered in this book; this nails the relevent ideas and is waaaaaay easier to read. This book could and should replace the entire pop psychology and self help sections of any bookstore. Botton reveals the truth that most of the ideas authors of those genres have been slinging around and re-using for so long were actually written a long long time ago. His format works best here and shows us that philosophy is not some far off subject that has no relevency to our lives. It is our lives. He reveals that these philosophers weren't the strong jawed leaders we see portrayed in mable, rather they were mostly sickly depressed outcasts with no money who were just trying to figure out why things are they way they are and we can learn a lot from them.
2 people found this review helpful
-
4 out of 5
by
Aaron
from
New York, NY | Dec 29, 2008
Concise, relevant, down to earth, pragmatic.
The spin of the book is that philosophy can help you overcome obstacles in your life (unpopularity, poverty, frustration and a broken heart among others). It's a cute angle, but not to be taken too seriously.
This book is a refresher, a booster injection to remind you of the contributions put forward by a handful of thinkers. A wholesome tidbit before tackling Sophie's World or similar.
This shot contains: Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while reading this book.
2 people found this review helpful
-
4 out of 5
by
Constance
from
Los Angeles, CA | Sep 6, 2009
though some may find this book intellectually offensive, i quite enjoyed the cartoony philosophy lessons and the random pictures scattered throughout. i firmly believe that more nonfiction books should have lots and lots of pictures.
i particularly enjoyed the Nietzsche chapter ("Consolation for Difficulties"), which, among its many gems, includes:
in discussing N's antipathy to alcohol -
"In the spring of 1871, Nietzsche went on holiday with his sister to the Hotel de Parc in Lugano. The hotel bill for 2-9 March shows that he drank fourteen glasses of milk . . . . 'I cannot advise all more spiritual natures too seriously to abstain from alcohol absolutely. Water suffices.'"
and
"Finally, at the beginning of January 1889, Nietzsche broke down at Turin's Piazza Carlo Alberto and embraced a horse . . . ."
poor Nietzsche. he's so great! i wish i could quote the whole weird and entertaining chapter here.
i also must remark that i found this book quite consoling (again, in contrast to when i first read it years ago). i feel much better about my life now!
Water suffices!
-
4 out of 5
by
Gordon
from
The United States | Apr 12, 2009
Alain de Botton is a kind of Everyman’s philosopher – which is exactly how I link my philosophers. (In fact, he teaches philosophy at the University of London). The book is a quick romp through a half dozen philosophers, from Socrates to Nietzsche, by applying their philosophies to the author’s everyday problems. For example, he explains Epicurus’ thought in relation to his own issues about wanting material things. Much to my surprise, Epicurus turns out to have little to do with the hedonism I always thought was the basic idea behind his beliefs. He did think that “Pleasure is the beginning and goal of a happy life”, but his pleasures turn out to be of the simple kind, not the kind that require 8-course meals. There were three kinds of sources of pleasure for Epicurus which he thought created the foundation of a happy life:
1) Friendship: “Of all the things that wisdom provides to help one live one’s entire life in happiness, the greatest by far is the possession of friendship”.
2) Freedom: Live a simple life, and you will free yourself of many of the burdens of work and of lusting after material goods.
3) Thought: Since Epicurus is supposed to have written 300 books (almost all of which have been lost), it seems he took thinking very seriously – and also believed that writing was a great aid to thought.
So, if you’re like me and have pretty much forgotten everything you ever learned in that Philosophy 101 course, I definitely recommend this book.
2 people found this review helpful
-
5 out of 5
by
Keegan
from
Washington, DC | Nov 8, 2007
Now, you may laugh, but I thought this was one of the best philosophy-related books I've ever read. I recognize that it's pretty basic, a little silly, etc., but for some reason it did it for me. It's short and sweet and it humanizes otherwise esoteric knowledge.
After I blazed through this book one evening, I went on to read the actual writings of Epicurus, Nietzsche, and Montaigne. It was the spark I needed to get me reading philosophy again.
I heartily recommend it. :-)
2 people found this review helpful