Popular philosophy Books

Book SynopsisThe perfect gift for a happier working life in 2025! From the million-copy bestselling author of The Little Book of Hygge, comes a beautifully designed guide on how to get more out of work and live like the happiest people in the world: the Danish.''A wonderful book'' Chris EvansWe often look to the Danish lifestyle as a utopia: they enjoy long summer holidays and the cosiest, hyggelig winters, but their happiness isn't just limited to their free time. Almost two thirds report high job satisfaction, and 58% say they would continue working even if they won the lottery.But what exactly are the ingredients of happiness at work? And how can we live more like that?Meik Wiking, the world's favourite happiness expert, is back with more of his wise-yet-simple insightful advice on nurturing a sense of purpose, building trust between you and your manager and enjoying freedom in your role. Backed by his research and designed with his trademark style, this book is sure to improve your happiness.We will spend around a third of our lives at work, so why not feel happier while we do it?''Such a lovely book'' Ranvir Singh, on Lorraine

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Book Synopsis'A rich and subtle exploration of the sacredness of nature, filled with a timeless wisdom and deep humanity' Guardian In this hugely powerful book, Karen Armstrong argues that it isn't enough to change our behaviour to avert environmental catastrophe - we must rekindle our spiritual bond with the natural world. From gratitude and compassion to sacrifice and non-violence, Armstrong draws themes from the world's religious traditions to offer practical steps to reconnect you with nature.Speaking to anyone interested in our relationship with nature, worried about environmental destruction, or searching for new actions to save our planet, Sacred Nature will uncover the most profound connections between humans and the natural world.'A lamentation in the key of Greta Thunberg, with undertones of Carl Jung' Wall Street Journal'Warm and witty... a challenge to think differently in the face of climate change' Tablet'Karen Armstrong is one of the handful of wise and supremely commentators on religion' Alain de BottonTrade ReviewA rich and subtle exploration of the sacredness of nature, filled with a timeless wisdom and deep humanity ... Much has been written on the scientific and technological aspects of climate change ... But Armstrong's book is both more personal and more profound. Its urgent message is that hearts and minds need to change if we are to once more learn to revere our beautiful and fragile planet * Guardian, Book of the Day *Karen Armstrong is one of the handful of wise and supremely intelligent commentators on religionWarm and witty ... [Armstrong's] ability to summon up examples and quotations...is humbling... Sacred Nature [is] a challenge to think differently in the face of climate change, to recover ways of looking at things, including God * Tablet *An accessible account of how a wider religious perspective might contribute to humans' adopting a more solicitous attitude to nature -- Rowan Williams * New Statesman *

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Book SynopsisThe definitive guide to yoga in everyday life from B.K.S. Iyengar, the world's most respected yoga teacher.Trade ReviewOne of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. ‘The Michelangelo of yoga’ – BBC ‘Valuable insights into the therapeutic nature of yoga … Those already familiar with Iyengar’s work will find subtlety and depth here that will increase with each rereading’ – Yoga Journal

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Book SynopsisA guide to confronting modern social situations with confidence and grace.

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Book SynopsisHe shows how many of self-help's suggested routes to happiness and success - such as positive thinking, self-belief and setting goals - can be disastrous to follow and, indeed, actually cause anxiety.Happy aims to reclaim happiness and to enable us to appreciate the good things in life, in all their transient glory.Trade ReviewWitty, useful and beautifully written... this book grapples expansively with the most profound questions any of us face * The Sunday Times *Brilliant. Really brilliant and just crammed with wisdom and insight. It will genuinely make a difference to me and the way I think about myself. I'm going to recommend it to everyone I know. -- Stephen FryBrown tries to resurrect the original Stoic ambitions here: not just to live well but to die well, too. His book is thoughtful, insightful and ultimately, well, helpful. * Sunday Times Books of the Year *Til now, we've known Derren Brown as a supreme illusionist and magician. Now he surprises us with a new and brilliant identity: as a philosopher. Not just any philosopher. Brown takes philosophy back to its truest task: that of helping us to live and die well. His book is deeply informative, moving, wise and full of love. It sets out to change lives - and it will. Derren has pulled off a properly implausible trick: that of making the deepest ideas relevant, humane and urgent. -- Alain de BottonIn this wise and perceptive book Derren Brown has conjoined personal experience, profoundly sensible psychology and the magic of philosophy to produce a really excellent account of how to be happy - really, maturely, properly happy. This is a wonderfully educative - and enjoyable! - book, and should be on everyone's reading list, always. -- A.C. Grayling

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Book SynopsisA practical guide to finding fulfilling work by understanding yourself. The idea that work might be fulfilling rather than just necessary is a recent invention. These days, in prosperous areas of the world, we don’t only expect to get paid, we also expect to find meaning and satisfaction. A Job to Love is designed to help us better understand ourselves in order to find a job that is right for us. It explores the myths, traps and confusions that get in our way and shows us how to develop new, effective attitudes and habits.

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Book SynopsisA unique selection of the greatest thinkers from the fields of philosophy, political theory, sociology, art, architecture and literature, with enjoyable profiles of what they have to teach to us today.

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Book SynopsisHere’s an accusation – Sherlock Holmes never deduced anything. When it comes to language, it all depends on what your definition of ‘is’ is. And one for the existentialists – you haven’t lived until you think about death all the time. Daniel Klein and Thomas Cathcart take philosophy to task with flair and gusto in this wise and hilarious treasure of a book. Lively, original, and powerfully informative, Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar... is an irreverent crash course through the great thinkers and traditions. It’s philosophy for everyone, from the curious layperson to the professor who’s seen it all. Klein and Cathcart have the knack of getting to the core of an issue in a crystal clear line, meaning there’s more room for jokes – good jokes, clever jokes, jokes that’ll have you laughing so hard the people nearby will shoot you strange looks. It’s the philosophy class you wish you’d had and finally, it all makes sense!Trade Review'A hoot'. * Times Literary Supplement *‘Cathcart and Klein know their stuff, and wear their learnedness lightly…I can’t help but love this book, and I have been quoting liberally from it.’ * Philosophy Now *‘What happens when you mix corny jokes, one-liners and vaudeville humour with some of life’s great lessons? You get an extraordinary read you’ll want to share with as many people as possible.’ * Orlando Sentinel *‘A hoot!’ * Chicago Sun-Times *

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Book SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring The tradition of ancient philosophy is a long, rich and varied one. Julia Annas gives a succinct account of ancient Greco-Roman philosophy, emphasizing its freshness and variety of themes, and its approach of lively discussion and argument. Getting away from the presentation of ancient philosophy as a succession of Great Thinkers, the book gives readers a sense of the freshness and liveliness of ancient philosophy, and of its wide variety of themes and styles.This new edition has been fully updated to reflect updates in the field, with new illustrations and up to date further reading to allow further exploration of the field. The text has been expanded and modernized to be more comprehensive and accessible to the general reader, as well as exploring the relation of the tradition of ancient Greco-Roman philosophy to other traditions and to us.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1: How to live a happy life 2: Humans and beasts: understanding ourselves 3: Reason, knowledge and scepticism 4: Logic and reality 5: When did it begin? (and what is it anyway?)

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Book SynopsisAs the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has captured the attention and admiration of the world through his wisdom. This jewel of a book offers some of his most helpful insights on daily living, inner peace, compassion and justice - for all of us in these troubled times.Trade ReviewA symbol of serenity, a spiritual leader second only to the Pope * Independent *The Dalai Lama is the most influential person in the world * Time magazine *He draws crowds that no other spiritual leader or politician could hope to match...he seems to look at life in a different way to everyone else * The Times *

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In a series of 50 accessible essays, Ben Dupré introduces and explains the philosophical questions around knowledge, consciousness, identity, ethics and justice that have engaged the minds of thinkers from the Ancient Greeks to the present day. From Plato's cave to virtue ethics, theories of punishment to animal rights, 50 Philosophy Ideas You Really Need to Know is a complete introduction to the most important philosophical concepts in history.

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Book Synopsis'The perfect guide for a course correction in life' Deepak ChopraTo be forever looking beyond is to remain blind to what is here In this engaging and enduring work, pioneering Zen scholar Alan Watts examines humanity's place in the natural world and the spirit's connection to the body. Drawing on the precepts of Taoism, Watts offers an alternative vision of our place in the universe that will revolutionise the way you think, feel and live.Trade ReviewThe perfect guide for a course correction in life -- Deepak Chopra

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Book SynopsisWe probably went to school for what felt like a very long time. We probably took care with our homework. Along the way we surely learnt intriguing things about equations, the erosion of glaciers, the history of the Middle Ages, and the tenses of foreign languages. But why, despite all the lessons we sat through, were we never taught the really important things that dominate and trouble our lives: who to start a relationship with, how to trust people, how to understand one’s psyche, how to move on from sorrow or betrayal, and how to cope with anxiety and shame? The School of Life is an organisation dedicated to teaching a range of emotional lessons that we need in order to lead fulfilled and happy lives – and that schools routinely forget to teach us. This book is a collection of our most essential lessons, delivered with directness and humanity, covering topics from love to career, childhood trauma to loneliness. To read the book is to be invited to lead kinder, richer and more authentic lives – and to complete an education we began but still badly need to finish. This is homework to help us make the most of the rest of our lives.Trade Review'Brilliant book' * Ayesha Hazarika, Times Radio *'This is a subject I absolutely love' * Jo Good, BBC London *

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Book SynopsisPhilosophy of Mind: A Very Short Introduction probes some of the great philosophical questions about the mind: What is the relationship between mind and matter? Can science unravel the mystery of consciousness? How can our thoughts represent things in the world? Are computers genuinely intelligent? In the book, Barbara Gail Montero highlights key thought experiments used by philosophers to explore the nature of mind and how mind and body relate to each other (the mind-body problem). She leads readers through the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed solutions to the mind-body problem and explores the philosophical conundrums associated with sensation, perception, cognition, and emotion. While keeping an eye on the contemporary philosophical debate, Montero also considers the cross-cultural roots of philosophy of mind, and its connections to psychology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and physics. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewThis little gem offers a succinct, thorough introduction to the central topics in philosophy of mind...providing insight into all the major positions and arguments, this is an excellent foundational book. * J. A. Kegley, CHOICE *Table of ContentsPreface 1: The mind-body problem 2: Dualism 3: Other minds 4: Physicalism 5: Intentionality 6: Consciousness 7: Animals, aliens, and machines 8: Dissolving the mind-body problem Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisIn Trouble in Paradise, Slavoj Žižek, one of our most famous, most combative philosophers, explains how by drawing on the ideas of communism, we can find a way out of the crisis of capitalism.There is obviously trouble in the global capitalist paradise. But why do we find it so difficult to imagine a way out of the crisis we''re in? It is as if the trouble feeds on itself: the march of capitalism has become inexorable, the only game in town.Setting out to diagnose the condition of global capitalism, the ideological constraints we are faced with in our daily lives, and the bleak future promised by this system, Slavoj Žižek explores the possibilities - and the traps - of new emancipatory struggles. Drawing insights from phenomena as diverse as Gangnam Style to Marx, The Dark Knight to Thatcher, Trouble in Paradise is an incisive dissection of the world we inhabit, and the new order to come.''The most dangerous philosopher in the West'' - Adam Kirsch, New Republic ''The most formidably brilliant exponent of psychoanalysis, indeed of cultural theory in general, to have emerged in many decades'' - Terry Eagleton ''Žižek leaves no social or cultural phenomenon untheorized, and is master of the counterintuitive observation'' - New Yorker

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Book SynopsisHow do we shape a better world for LGBTQ+ people? Olly Alexander, Peppermint, Owen Jones, Beth Ditto, Shon Faye and more share their stories and visions for the future.'A vital addition to your bookshelf' Stylist, 5 Books for Summer'Captivating... A must-read' Gay Times, Books of the YearIn We Can Do Better Than This, 35 voices - actors, musicians, writers, artists and activists - answer this vital question, at a time when the queer community continues to suffer discrimination and extreme violence. Through deeply moving stories and provocative new arguments on safety and visibility, dating and gender, care and community, they present a powerful manifesto for how - together - we can change lives everywhere.'Powerful, inspiring...urgent' Attitude'Read and be inspired' Peter Tatchell'Illuminating' Paul Mendez, author of Rainbow Milk'Friendly and fierce' Jeremy Atherton Lin, author of Gay BarTrade ReviewWith We Can Do Better Than This, Amelia Abraham has switched on every light in the queer village, illuminating the still-not-visible and giving space to many, important, intersectional voices on pregnancy and gender, for instance; refuge; ageing and queer community, or the dream of a trans-majority future. Let this be an invitation for us to read further on every pertinent subject and brilliant mind in it -- Paul Mendez, author of Rainbow MilkA queer selection box that's at once thought-provoking and powerful, and at times very funny. This is a snapshot of where we are now, and where we need to get to -- Juno Dawson, author of This Book is GayA vibey roundtable, an atlas charting global disparities but also interconnectedness, an expedition over the rainbow, a friendly and fierce survey of this critical juncture. Join up -- Jeremy Atherton Lin, author of Gay BarWe Can Do Better Than This is a diverse and powerful collection of writing from 35 inspiring figures, as they reflect on their own experiences of being queer. It poses a simple but essential question: how can we create a better world for our LGBTQ+ family? . . . Urgent and vital -- Uli Lenart * Book of the Month, Attitude *Captivating . . . We Can Do Better Than This imagines the next step for our community . . . Digs deep to present a candid commentary on the LGBTQ+ community's ongoing issues and delivers hopeful, thoughtful solutions. Simply put, it's a must-read * Gay Times, 10 LGBTQ+ Books You Have to Read this Pride Month *Thoughtful and thought-provoking, this book embodies the rainbow-coloured diversity of the queer community and neatly articulates the struggles ahead. It is an education in why the concept of 'pride' remains not only relevant but critical -- Mohsin Zaidi, author of A Dutiful BoyRead and be inspired! Global voices with ideas to shape a brighter LGBTQ+ future - a planet without criminalisation, discrimination and hate crime. This book is a reminder that it starts with us and now -- Peter Tatchell

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Book SynopsisIdiocy is all around us, whether it's the uncle spouting conspiracy theories, the colleagues who repeat your point but louder, or the commuters who still don't know how to use an escalator. But what is the answer to this perpetual scourge? Here, philosopher Maxime Rovere turns his attention to the murkiest of intellectual corners. With warmth, wit and wisdom, he illuminates a new understanding of idiots, one which examines our relations to others and our own ego, offers tools and strategies to dismantle the most desperate of idiotic situations, and even reveals how to stop being the idiots ourselves (because we're always someone else's idiot). Expertly translated by David Bellos, this is an erudite, enjoyable and much-needed solution to a most familiar vexation.

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Book SynopsisA profound, philosophical exploration of the nature of hope.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book Synopsis''many men compete in digging and kicking but no one at all in the pursuit of human excellence.''Diogenes the Cynic is best remembered today for having lived in a storage-jar, and walking the streets with a lamp in daylight, looking for an honest man. Such stories formed part of a rich tradition of sayings and anecdotes; his biting wit and eccentric behaviour were legendary, and it was by means of these oft-repeated and embellished aphorisms that his moral teachings were transmitted. He scorned the conventions of civilized life, and his ascetic lifestyle and caustic opinions gave expression to the Cynic philosophy that in turn influenced Stoicism. This unique edition also covers Diogenes'' immediate successors, such as Crates, his wife Hipparchia, and the witty moral preacher Bion. The contrasting teachings of the Cyrenaic school, founded by Aristippos, a pleasure-loving friend of Socrates, complete the volume, together with a selection of apocryphal letters. An ideal compendium of SocTable of ContentsDIOGENES AND THE EARLY CYNICS; ARISTIPPOS AND THE CYRENAICS; APOCRYPHAL LETTERS

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewLike Twain and Wilde before him, Taleb eats paradoxes for breakfast... The aphorism is Taleb to a tee. It showcases his wit and learning, and provides ways to fillet his enemies. All his usual suspects are present to be corrected: bankers, fools, politicians, journalists... Present, too, are his heroes: the curious, the intellectually anarchistic, the idle philosopher -- James Kidd * Independent on Sunday *[A] quirky, entertaining collection of aphorisms, covering everything from the web to the injuriousness of doing too much work... a wry, often hila­rious glimpse -- Robert Collins * The Times *

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Book SynopsisFrom the new pocket book series, featuring key ideas from The School of Life exploring self-knowledge.

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Book SynopsisRethink your view of the world with The Teachings of Don Juan, the first book in Carlos Castaneda''s spiritual journey into the world of sorcery... The Teachings of don Juan is the story of Carlos Castaneda''s extraordinary experiences. In 1960 Carlos Castaneda was a graduate student when he met Don Juan, a Yaqui Indian feared and shunned by the ordinary folk of the American Southwest because of his unnatural powers. During the next five years don Juan''s arcana knowledge led Castaneda into a world of beauty and terror, ruled by concepts far beyond those of Western civilisation. Using medicinal herbs Castaneda lived through encounters with disembodied spirits, shamans in the form of huge wolves, and death in the shape of silver crows. Finally, after a night of utter terror in which he knew that his life was threatened by forces which he still cannot fully explain, he gave up his struggle to become a ''Man Of Knowledge''. ''It gives a different view of the world and challenges the ideas and beliefs that we have be taught, whilst also providing simple methods to changing the way we interact with the world on a day to day basis.'' - 5* Reader Review

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Book SynopsisStoicism is two things: a long past philosophical school of ancient Greece and Rome, and an enduring philosophical movement that still inspires people in the twenty-first century to re-think and re-organize their lives in order to achieve personal satisfaction. What is the connection between them? This Very Short Introduction provides an introductory account of Stoic philosophy, and tells the story of how ancient Stoicism survived and evolved into the movement we see today. Exploring the roots of the school in the philosophy of fourth century BCE Greece, Brad Inwood examines its basic history and doctrines and its relationship to the thought of Plato, Aristotle and his successors, and the Epicureans. Sketching the history of the school''s reception in the western tradition, he argues that, despite the differences between ancient and contemporary Stoics, there is a common core of philosophical insight that unites the modern version not just to Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius but also to the school''s original founders, Zeno, Cleanthes, and Chrysippus. Inwood concludes by considering the place of Stoicism in modern life.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewStoicismis a wonderful guidebook to the essential concepts and basic precepts animating this most popular of the Hellenistic schools of wisdom. ... Specialists eager for a refresher course will find no better place from which to launch a reexamination. This is an eminently useful addition to the "Very Short Introductions" series. Summing up: Highly recommended * CHOICE *Brad Inwood's "short introduction" offers an incisive overview of how Stoicism developed - and why it might still be relevant. * Times Higher Education *In sprightly prose, Brad Inwood maps the doctrines and personalities of ancient Stoicism. His book is particularly good at assessing this history and philosophy for today's aspiring stoics. * A.A. Long, Emeritus Professor, University of California, Berkeley *This is an indispensable book. In a short compass, Inwood recounts the history and philosophical theory of Stoicism in a memorable, crisp, and deservedly authoritative way. He also does something important for the popular revival of stoicism now underway. Inwood's treatment of all of this is illuminating, balanced, and concise. * Lawrence C. Becker, Author of A New Stoicism *Table of Contents1: Ancient Stoicism and modern life 2: Reading Stoics today: Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius and even Seneca 3: The origins of the school: Stoicism and Plato 4: The parts of philosophy: physics 5: The parts of philosophy: ethics 6: The parts of philosophy: logic 7: Conclusion Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisAlthough there are many kinds of love, erotic love has been celebrated in art and poetry as life''s most rewarding and exalting experience, worth living and dying for and bringing out the best in ourselves. And yet it has excused, and even been thought to justify, the most reprehensible crimes. Why should this be? This Very Short Introduction explores this and other puzzling questions. Do we love someone for their virtue, their beauty, or their moral or other qualities? Are love''s characteristic desires altruistic or selfish? Are there duties of love? What do the sciences - neuroscience, evolutionary and social psychology, and anthropology - tell us about love?Many of the answers we give to such questions are determined not so much by the facts of human nature as by the ideology of love. Ronald de Sousa considers some of the many paradoxes raised by love, looking at the different kinds of love - affections, affiliation, philia, storage, agape, but focusses on eros, or romantic love. He considers whether our conventional beliefs about love and sex are deeply irrational and argues that alternative conceptions of love and sex, although hard to formulate and live by, may be worth striving for. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. Puzzles ; 2. Perspectives ; 3. Desire ; 4. Reasons ; 5. Science ; 6. Utopia ; Further reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisThe pace of modern life is accelerating. To keep up, we must keep on moving and adapting – constantly striving for greater happiness and success. Or so we are told. But the demands of life in the fast lane come at a price: stress, fatigue and depression are at an all-time high, while our social interactions have become increasingly self-serving and opportunistic. How can we resist today's obsession with introspection and self-improvement? In this witty and bestselling book, Danish philosopher and psychologist Svend Brinkmann argues that we must not be afraid to reject the self-help mantra and 'stand firm'. The secret to a happier life lies not in finding your inner self but in coming to terms with yourself in order to coexist peacefully with others. By encouraging us to stand firm and get a foothold in life, this vibrant anti-self-help guide offers a compelling alternative to life coaching, positive thinking and the need always to say 'yes!'Trade Review"Deliciously provocative stuff: a subversive manifesto for white-collar passive resistance and a diatribe against the booming industry that has grown up around career advice."Financial Times"So rather than urging you to “think positive”, “listen to your feelings”, “trust your inner voice”, and other refrains of the self-help industry, Brinkmann advocates their opposite in seven steps, which include “Cut out the navel-gazing”; “Focus on the negative in your life”; “Suppress your feelings”; “Dwell on the past”; and “Sack your coach”. I must say, they work for me."Carol Midgely, The Times"In Stand Firm, Danish philosopher Svend Brinkmann projects a little blast of fresh air into the crowded pressure room of 'self-improvement'. With wit and perceptiveness he takes a swipe at the modern craze to do more, be more, be happier, be more productive. Paradoxically, this anti-self-help guide actually helps us to resist the mania." New Internationalist"Stand firm is a brilliant, funny, liberating and significant critique of the dominant and individualizing hamster wheel culture that we live in... Brinkmann's book is for the people - that is all, for all of us."Politiken"A satirical, but also very deep alternative to the current compulsion for self-developement."Berlingske Tidende"Every once in a while a book comes along that is both ironic and serious, both funny and challenging, both timely and wise. Stand Firm, with its seven steps toward living against our accelerated culture of neoliberal 'self-realization', is such a book. It should be on the bookshelf of every person concerned with the state of the world – or with the state of themselves"Todd May, Clemson University"Stand Firm is an exhilarating broadside against the intense modern pressure to do more, be more, to become happier and more productive, and to 'find yourself'. In championing Stoicism over the relentless and exhausting wild-goose chase of self-help, Svend Brinkmann - though he might not like the fact - has written a book that truly helps."Oliver Burkeman, The Guardian"This wonderfully funny and intelligent book not only exposes the foolishness of the self-help cult, but also offers a concrete and appealing alternative, reminding us that philosophy is as relevant for living our lives today as it has ever been."Carl Cederstrom, Stockholm Business School"As designs for life go, it may just be brilliantly outlandish enough to work."Irish Independent"With anti-self-help such as this, small wonder Denmark is the world's happiest county."Belfast Telepraph"Provocative and entertaining"Standpoint"Stand Firm by Svend Brinkmann is a welcome antidote to the therapeutic consensus which has dictated that we should strive for happiness and 'find ourselves', and insists that anything is possible if we put our minds to it."Patrick West, The Tablet"eloquent and pragmatic" - The Times Literary SupplementTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction 1. Cut out the navel-gazing 2. Focus on the negative in your life 3. Put on the No hat 4. Suppress your feelings 5. Sack your coach 6. Read a novel – not a self-help book or biography 7. Dwell on the past Notes

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Book Synopsis‘Wonderful and timely … Hugely recommended’ STEPHEN FRYWhat do you and an ancient philosopher have in common? It turns out much more than you might think… Aristotle was an extraordinary thinker yet he was preoccupied by an ordinary question: how to be happy. In this handbook to his timeless teachings, Professor Edith Hall shows how ancient thinking is precisely what we need today, even if you don’t know your Odyssey from your Iliad. In ten practical lessons you can learn how to make good decisions, how to ace an interview, how to choose a partner and how to face death. This is advice that won’t go out of fashion.‘A beguiling cross between Mary Beard and Mary Poppins’ ObserverTrade ReviewWonderful and timely. Aristotle’s influence has been immense, but Edith Hall’s authoritative, warmly readable, clear and approachable book opens Aristotle up and establishes him as a man who addresses the issues of the human heart as much as the human mind. She gives us an Aristotle for our times as much as his own and all those that came between. Hugely recommended. -- STEPHEN FRYA wonderfully lively and personal guide to Aristotle's philosophy of well-being. Read it and flourish! -- Sarah Bakewell, author of HOW TO LIVE[Hall] has written a practical and enjoyable guide to Aristotle’s philosophy as a recipe for contentment in the modern world. -- Daisy Dunn * Literary Review *Hall gamely breathes new life into [Aristotle's] doctrines (which she admits can be heavy-going) for 21st-century readers, flitting over the centuries and across cultural borders, taking in everyone from Philip of Macedon to Pharrell Williams of “Happy” with breezy aplomb. A beguiling cross between Mary Beard and Mary Poppins, Hall is enjoying herself outside the ivory towers -- Lisa Allardice * Observer *Edith Hall has recast Aristotle's text into everyday language, and applied his lessons on everything from happiness to, for instance, resisting temptation, writing a job application or using the Greek's chart of Virtues and Vices to analyse one's character. * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe acclaimed biographer and obituarist for The Economist reflects on a career spent pursuing life and capturing it on the page***A FINANCIAL TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES AND TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023***'Lifescapes is the universe in miniature'DAILY TELEGRAPH'She's a genius, I believe' HILARY MANTEL, author of Wolf Hall'What is life?' asked the poet Shelley, and could not come up with an answer. Scientists, too, for all their understanding of how life manifests, thrives and evolves, have still not plumbed that fundamental question. Yet biographers and obituarists continue to corral lives in a few columns, or a few hundred pages, aware all the time how fleeting and elusive their subject is.In this dazzlingly original blend of memoir, biography, observation and poetry, Ann Wroe reflects on the art and impossibility of capturing life on the page. Through her experiences and those of others, through people she has known, studied or merely glimpsed in windows, she movingly explores what makes a life and how that life lingers after.Animated by Wroe's rare imagination, eye for the telling detail, and the wit, beauty and clarity of her writing, Lifescapes is a luminous, deeply personal answer to Shelley's question.Trade ReviewThis thought-provoking and beautifully written book blends memoir with poetry and biography in search of what elements can evoke the character of a person * Financial Times, *Books of the Year* *'I think of my work as catching souls,' writes Ann Wroe, the obituaries editor of The Economist, at the start of this book... How she goes about capturing them all is a fascinating business * Sunday Times, *Books of the Year* *Seamlessly merges scenes from the author’s life with the overflow from her admirably humane Economist obituaries... This glimpse of Wroe at work, enriched with stories from her private notebooks, is a treat akin to, borrowing her words, 'wild plums fallen in the grass' * Times Literary Supplement, *Books of the Year* *Beautifully written, the prose witty, twisting and sensuous, but it is sharp, too * The Times *What a treat it is to read a writer at the top of her game... Astonishing... Lifescapes is the universe in miniature * Daily Telegraph *A brave, unfashionable and out of the ordinary book… A delight… Lifescapes encourages us to take a deep breath, contemplate life more keenly and acknowledge the miraculous if – and when – we find it * Observer *Evocative and beautifully written * Financial Times *This is biography as empathy and even hyper-empathy… Wroe operates like a kind of tuning fork… She seems to feel the energy that thrums in people, nature and objects… Compelling * Times Literary Supplement *Although the book is part memoir, part essay on the art of biography, it is really about the breath of life itself. Wroe’s writing is intense and visionary, at times almost ecstatic. Reader, dive in… Her voice, her writing, already add such consonance, such alert and graceful rapture, to the music of the world * Spectator *She's a genius, I believe, because she lights up every subject she touches -- Hilary Mantel, author of Wolf Hall

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Book SynopsisFrom the new pocket book series, featuring key ideas from The School of Lifeexploring relationships.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"One of Forbes' Must-Read Brain Books of 2019""Finalist for the PROSE Award in Philosophy, Association of American Publishers"

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Book SynopsisAn essential companion to the inspirational classic The Alchemist, filled with timeless stories of reflection and rediscovery.From one of the greatest writers of our age comes a collection of stories and parables unlocking the mysteries of the human condition. Gathered from Paulo Coelho's daily column of the same name, Maktub, meaning it is written, invites seekers on a journey of faith, self-reflection, and transformation. As Paulo Coelho explains, Maktub is not a book of advicebut an exchange of experiences.'Each story offers an illuminated path to see life and the lives of our fellow people around the world in new ways, allowing us to tap into universal truths about our collective and individual humanity. As Coelho writes, a man who seeks only the light, while shirking his responsibilities, will never find illumination. And one who keep his eyes fixed upon the sun . . . ends up blind.' In these wise tales akin to Zen koans and other mysteries of the universe, there are talking snakes, old women climbing mountains, disciples querying their masters, Buddha in dialogue, mysterious hermits, and many saints.Following the path of his previous internationally bestselling works, this thoughtful collection of short, inspirational pieces, introduced in a foreword by the author and illustrated with black-and-white line art throughout, will engage seekers of all ages and backgrounds.

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Book SynopsisA guide to developing the art of finding serenity by understanding the sources of our anxiety and frustrations. Almost all of us wish we could be calmer; it is one of the distinctive longings of the modern age. Across history people have sought adventure and excitement, however a new priority for many of us is a desire to be more tranquil. This is a book designed to support us in our endeavours to remain calm against all the adversities life throws at us. A calm state of mind is not a divine gift, we can alter our responses to everyday things and educate ourselves in the art of remaining calm, not through slow breathing or special teas, but through thinking. This is a book that explores the causes of our greatest stresses and anxieties and gives us a succession of highly persuasive, beautiful and sometimes dryly comic arguments with which to defend ourselves against panic and confusion. Part of a new essential paperback series from The School of Life, covering a range of emotional lessons needed in order to lead fulfilled and happy lives.Trade ReviewReader Reviews: 'A thought-provoking and intelligent book ... Full of ideas to reflect upon and introduce into our world for a calmer life' 'Beautifully written and incredibly comforting. The writing itself makes you feel calm, and it seems to instil a seed of hope in you that you really can lead a more calm and peaceful life'

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Book SynopsisIf you''ve ever been dumped, fired, or experienced any semblance of rejection, then boy do we have the book for you.' GLAMOURAn empowering, practical guide to overcoming imposter syndrome, getting sassy with negative thoughts and succeeding in all areas of life.Understanding that confidence is a practice and becoming intentional about my personal growth has helped me win the battle in my mind and become the confident woman I am today. Discovering my truth has brought so much joy, love and abundance into my life, and I want the same for every single one of you.'Tiwalola Ogunlesi is on a mission to create a world of confident women. An esteemed and highly sought-after motivational speaker and confidence coach, she founded her company with the sole purpose of leading women to love themselves.In Confident and Killing It, Tiwalola guides readers in becoming the most unapologetic and unstoppable version of themselves. No self-aggrandising or posturing, no pseudo-scientific prose or tired insTrade Review“Tiwa has such a wealth of knowledge from experience and the steps in the book were really easy to follow … it was so enlightening to read.’ Stephanie Yeboah, author of Fattily Ever After ‘If you've ever been dumped, fired, or experienced any semblance of rejection, then boy do we have the book for you. Tiwalola Ogunlesi, a certified life coach, has written the ultimate guide to improving your self-esteem and confidence, which – let's be real – doesn't come naturally to many of us. Fear not, this book is the empowering holiday read we've all been waiting for.’ GLAMOUR

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Book SynopsisPsychedelic Experience presents a philosophical account of psychedelic experience.A central premise of the book is that such experiences are mind-revealing experiences and that they can be induced by means other than psychedelics. In particular, the book argues that psychedelic experiences can also be had as the result of meditation. Aiden Lyon presents a unified conceptual framework for thinking about the different kinds of psychedelic experiences one may have as a result of psychedelics, meditation, and their combination. This framework is then used to shed new light on various commonalities between psychedelics and meditation, such as the ability to promote long-lasting increases in mindfulness and their reputation for inducing mystical experiences. Finally, the book uses these new philosophical resources to flip things around and shine the light back on philosophy itself, arguing that psychedelic experiences can be used as tools for doing philosophy. The result is a new approach toTable of ContentsPreface 1: Introduction 2: What is Psychedelic Experience? 3: Psychedelic Space 4: Hypotheses 5: Attention 6: Memory 7: Hallucinations 8: Creativity 9: Well-being 10: Mystical Experience 11: Psychedelic Philosophy 12: Conclusion Index

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Book SynopsisTravelling through time from Ancient Egypt to today, A History of Love and Hate in 21 Statues unpicks the past, illuminates the present and offers a new perspective on the future through these controversial symbols of our identity.Trade Review'Fascinating analysis. A great read.’ Julia Hartley-Brewer, TalkRADIO TV Breakfast Show"An innovative and compelling examination of the fundamental DNA of humanity - our talent for creation and destruction." ROBIN MORGAN, award-winning journalist & former editor of The Sunday Times Magazine“This book considers why statues, and their removal, continue to provoke strong emotions. It also tells us the stories of 21 acts of statue destruction, why they took place, and what they tell us about our view of the past.” BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE'An enjoyable survey of historical antagonism, and a welcome alternative perspective on a flashpoint in the culture wars' Dominic Selwood, TLS Table of ContentsIntroduction: Lone and Level Sands Hatshepsut (Thebes, Egypt) Nero (Colchester, UK) Athena (Palmyra, Syria) The Buddhas of Bamiyan (Bamiyan, Afghanistan) Hecate (Constantinople, Byzantine Empire) Our Lady of Caversham (Caversham, UK) Huitzilopochtli (Tenochtitlan, Mexico) Confucius (Qufu, China) Louis XV (Paris, France) Felix Mendelssohn (Leipzig, Germany) The Confederate Monument (Portsmouth, Virginia, USA) Sir John A. Macdonald (Montreal, Canada) Edward Colston (Bristol, UK) Christopher Columbus (Caracas, Venezuela) Cecil Rhodes (Cape Town, South Africa) George Washington (Portland, Oregon, USA) Joseph Stalin (Budapest, Hungary) Yagan (Perth, Australia) Saddam Hussein (Baghdad, Iraq) B.R. Ambedkar (Vederanyam, India) Frederick Douglass (Rochester, New York, USA) Epilogue: Khaled al-Asaad Acknowledgements Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA refreshing distillation of insights into the human condition, by one of the best-known and most popular philosophers in the UK.Trade ReviewI find the clarity of his thinking so refreshing. -- Pam Ferris

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThere is no simple set of instructions that can guarantee sanity, but if you want to overcome emotional difficulties and become happier, psychotherapist Philippa Perry, author of The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read and The Book You Want Everyone You Love* To Read, argues that there are four cornerstones to sanity you can influence to bring about change. By developing your self-observation skills, examining how you relate to others, breaking out of your comfort zone and exploring new ways of defining yourself, Philippa demonstrates that it is possible to become a little less tortured and a little more fulfilled. How to Stay Sane is at once a brilliant explanation of our minds and a profoundly useful guide to facing up to the many challenges life throws our way.The School of Life looks at new ways of thinking about life’s biggest questions. Discover more fascinating books from the series with How to Be Alone and How to Think More About Sex.Trade ReviewIntelligent, non-self-helpy, yet immensely helpful guides to modern living. * New York Times *The School of Life offers radical ways to help us raid the treasure trove of human knowledge. * Independent on Sunday *

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Book Synopsis'Skye Cleary blends Simone de Beauvoir's wisdom with her own in this lively guide to becoming a poet of your life' Nigel Warburton'It isn't easy to be authentic. Skye Cleary's How to Be You is the guide you need if you are serious about figuring out how to live a life truly worth living. And why wouldn't you?' Massimo Pigliucci, author of How to Be a Stoic'A glorious achievement' Irish Independent'Change your life today. Don't gamble on the future, act now, without delay.'So said Simone de Beauvoir, one of the world's most influential philosophers, whose pioneering work asks how we can live our most fulfilling lives and be our most vibrant selves. But in the age of so-called authenticity, what does her philosophy offer us today? In this galvanising tour of her defiant strategies for living, we explore how de Beauvoir can teach us to free ourselves of fears and stereotypes and live in a way that is truly authentic to our desires and beliefs.At home, at work, in love, families and friendship, Skye Cleary shows us how de Beauvoir's philosophy can help us become more attuned to living purposefully, thoughtfully, and with a little more rebellious spirit. An authentic life is the goal but, warning: happiness may be a side effect.Trade ReviewBalanced with elements of critique, Skye Cleary delivers Simone de Beauvoir's views on authenticity with matchless clarity. In this elegantly written text, abstract ideas are embodied with compelling stories from either or both Beauvoir's life or that of the author. This coupling of the ethereal and earthly injects How to Be Authentic with a delightful resonance of authenticity that helps to bring home Beauvoir's bounty of existential wisdom. * Gordon Marino, author of The Existentialist’s Survival Guide *How To Be You is a thrilling invitation to reconsider all our ways of seeing and being - how to parent, how to love, how to age, how to connect. It is a book like the best kind of conversation. We are in the company of not just one brilliant woman, but two. Skye Cleary is a wonderful guide to de Beauvoir's work, while also bringing her own wisdom to our present moment. Fascinating. Necessary. * Tanya Shadrick, author of The Cure For Sleep *A how-to handbook for today's crazy times with philosophy past and present...a glorious achievement * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisCelebrate your favourite radical publishing house with our official branded merch! The Verso V Notebook beautfully celebrates our logo, is fully lined in the signature Verso red and in a handy portable size and lined paper throughout.

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Book SynopsisWhy did Marcel Proust have bonsai beside his bed? What was Jane Austen doing, coveting an apricot? How was Friedrich Nietzsche inspired by his ‘thought tree’? In Philosophy in the Garden, Damon Young explores one of literature’s most intimate relationships: authors and their gardens. For some, the garden provided a retreat from workaday labour; for others, solitude’s quiet counsel. For all, it played a philosophical role: giving their ideas a new life. Philosophy in the Garden reveals the profound thoughts discovered in parks, backyards, and pot-plants. It does not provide tips for mowing overgrown couch grass, or mulching a dry Japanese maple. It is a philosophical companion to the garden’s labours and joys.Trade Review‘This is a gardening book that takes readers not on a walk around great estates but on a tour of great minds … It's a lovely extension on the notion that gardens make you contemplative and in working with the soil you see life's big picture.’ * The Daily Telegraph *‘Erudite, yet witty and accessible, [Philosophy in the Garden] is intellectual history at its most completely pleasurable.’ * Oliver Burkeman, author of The Antidote *‘[S]prightly and stimulating.’ * The Spectator *‘Like a garden coming into spring … tremendous vistas of thought.’ * The Daily Telegraph *‘A gentle dig for ideas about how to live — this book will grow your mind and put a glow in your cheeks.’ * Deborah Levy, author of Swimming Home *‘A brilliant philosophical and literary meditation that helps us rethink our relationship with the natural world – and with ourselves.’ * Roman Krznaric, author of Empathy *‘Young writes with a delightful combination of humour and insight.’ * The Literary Review *‘[T]hought-provoking … fine book.’ * Gardens Illustrated *‘[T]hought provoking indeed.’ * The Good Book Guide *‘I've been looking forward to Damon Young’s [Philosophy in the Garden] … all year. Part philosophy lesson, part literary companion, it's a contemplative stroll through writers' relationships with their gardens.’ * Charlotte Wood, author of Animal People *‘I found it utterly engaging and most illuminating. His style is very readable and full of wit and personality.’ * Kate Forsyth, author of The Wild Girl *‘This beautiful looking book is a wonderfully refreshing mix of literary gossip, historical exposition and philosophical reflection, and I never wanted it to end.’ -- Walter Mason, author of Destination Saigon‘Young is an engaging writer. His technique is fluent and stylish and never marred by cliches or cliched thinking. He is sincere, a great relief from the ocean of irony in which we live, and intellectually questing, a relief from that other ocean of schmaltzy platitude.’ * The Australian *‘Reading this book is like strolling in a luxuriant garden with an erudite friend, although one of a literary rather than horticultural bent … Think of this engaging little book … as a philosophical primer, an approachable introduction to ideas about gardens and the natural world.’ * The Age *‘[Philosophy in the Garden] is a stimulating read where individual truths may well bloom … [T]his volume is packed with brilliant literary info.’ * The West Australian *‘[M]ore my kind of ‘gardening’ than the digging type … Particularly interesting is his account of Jane Austen’s creative relationship with her Hampshire gardens.’ * The Lady *‘Young helps readers reflect on the value of the garden beyond a place to hold a backyard barbecue … [He] writes engagingly, showing off his skills as a storyteller … [A]n intriguing little book.’ * Weekly Times *‘[T]ake the plunge: the writing is fresh, the observations discursive, and the garden … placed front and centre.’ * Australian Garden History *‘[T]houghtful and highly entertaining.’ * Limelight *‘Young has managed the difficult task of creating an academically rigorous work while maintaining a light and engaging tone throughout the book, which is actually a highly intellectual look at the complex relationship between humanity and nature.’ * Voice *‘[W]ith his vivid, critical, and, sometimes loving, attention to detail, he brings to new life writers and philosophers that anyone with a liberal arts education thought they already knew … Young's enthusiasm, compassion, and moments of personal insight are infectious.’ * Island *‘An absolute joy of a book — I couldn't put it down. Its prose is as careful and lovely as a beautifully tended garden.’ -- Nikki Gemmell, columnist for The Australian and author of Honestly‘[A] fascinating journey through the lives and creativity of writers … It is an intimate, charming book.’ * Sensibilities: The Journal of the Jane Austen Society of Australia *‘[L]ucid and entertaining … an enjoyable and erudite addition to a burgeoning literature.’ -- David E. Cooper * Los Angeles Review of Books *‘[F]or readers drawn to learning about the millennia-old tradition of teaching, writing, and thinking in the outdoors, this pithy offering will more than satisfy.’ * Publishers Weekly *

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Book Synopsis''Grayling brings satisfying order to daunting subjects'' Steven Pinker''An enthusiastic thinker who embraces humour, common sense and lucidity'' Independent_______________From the eminent philosopher, an authoritative exploration of the great questions of how to live''There is a question everyone has to ask and answer - in fact, has to keep on asking and keep on answering. It is, ''How should I live my life?'' meaning, ''What values shall I live by? ''What sort of person should I be? What shall I aim for?'' The great majority of people do not ask this question, they merely answer it unthinkingly, by adopting conventional views of life and what matters in it...''From Stoics to existentialists, in philosophy and literature, discussion of the philosophy of life -- of love and death, of courage, fortitude and wisdom -- challenges us all to think about what kinds of life are truly worth living. In this summation of a lifetime thinking and writing about this great question, A. C. Grayling explores with clarity and depth the ideas that each of us must use in answering it for ourselves.Drawing on the lives, experiences and works of a fantastically eclectic range of thinkers -- taking in not only philosophers such as Confucius, Seneca and Nietzsche, but also authors from Shakespeare to Ursula LeGuin, and modern thinkers such as Martha Nussbaum and Bernard Williams - Philosophy and Life brings together wisdom from across eras and continents in a tour de force on the philosophy of being human in a complicated world.

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Book SynopsisFrench culture is unique in that philosophy has played a significant role from the early-modern period onwards, intimately associated with political, religious, and literary debates, as well as with epistemological and scientific ones. While Latin was the language of learning there was a universal philosophical literature, but with the rise of vernacular literatures things changed and a distinctive national form of philosophy arose in France. This Very Short Introduction covers French philosophy from its origins in the sixteenth century up to the present, analysing it within its social, political, and cultural context. Beginning with psychology and epistemology, Stephen Gaukroger and Knox Peden then move onto the emergence of radical philosophy in the eighteenth century, before considering post-revolutionary philosophy in the nineteenth century, philosophy in the world wars, the radical thought of the 1960s, and finally French philosophy today. Throughout, they explore the dilemma sustained by the markedly national conception of French philosophy, and its history of speaking out on matters of universal concern. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements 1: Introduction 2: The Origins of French Philosophy 3: Radical Philosophy: the Eighteenth Century 4: Post-Revolutionary Philosophy: the Nineteenth Century and the Third Republic 5: Philosophy in Wartime: Phenomenology and Existentialism 6: Restless Times: Structuralism and Post-Structuralism 7: French Philosophy Today: Competing Ambitions 8: Conclusion References and Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisPeter Vardy's much acclaimed introduction to the study of ideas about God now revised and updated.A clear, well-written guide to philosophical thinking about God. Starting with the question of what it means to say we believe in God, and looking at the nature of truth, Peter Vardy goes on to examine ideas about God and their influence on Christian thinking.Peter Vardy takes the reader through the arguments, using amusing illustrations and analogies. He writes for the lay person or student, not assuming any specialist knowledge, and not imposing any particular view.This is about the best elementary textbook in the philosophy of God I have come across an extremely useful book.'Hugh Meynell, The TabletThis is a masterpiece of coherence. Step by step the reader is led clearly and humorously through the philosophical maze which confuses our thinking about God.'Linda Smith, Head of Religious Education, King's College, London

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Book SynopsisA #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestsellerThe long-awaited sequel to 12 RULES FOR LIFE, which has sold over 10 million copies around the worldIn 12 Rules for Life, acclaimed public thinker and clinical psychologist Jordan B. Peterson offered an antidote to the chaos in our lives: eternal truths applied to modern anxieties. His insights have helped millions of readers and resonated powerfully around the world. Now in this much-anticipated sequel, Peterson goes further, showing that part of life''s meaning comes from reaching out into the domain beyond what we know, and adapting to an ever-transforming world. While an excess of chaos threatens us with uncertainty, an excess of order leads to a lack of curiosity and creative vitality. Beyond Order therefore calls on us to balance the two fundamental principles of reality - order and chaos - and reveals the profound meaning that can be found on the path that divides them.In times of instability and suffering, Peterson reminds us that there are sources of strength on which we can all draw: insights borrowed from psychology, philosophy, and humanity''s greatest myths and stories. Drawing on the hard-won truths of ancient wisdom, as well as deeply personal lessons from his own life and clinical practice, Peterson offers twelve new principles to guide readers towards a more courageous, truthful and meaningful life.Trade ReviewThe advice in Beyond Order reflects some new and painful awareness of mortality. But it was always Peterson's intimate, self-revealing style that made his life advice so powerful, so energising, and so hard to reduce to politics * Telegraph *A sui generis kind of personal trainer for the soul.... It's a good thing that there's space on the self-help shelves for a book as bracingly pessimistic as this one... Peterson offers an invaluable reminder that we're finite and inherently imperfect -- Oliver Burkeman * Guardian (Book of the Week) *Life-changingly inspirational * The Times *Full of sensible, humane advice, and shows he is still very much on top... The book is a validation of his own role; as he observes, being able to articulate what many people instinctively feel but can't articulate is a valuable role for a public intellectual -- Melanie McDonagh * Evening Standard *In telling us that life is suffering (as all major religions do) and that the goal is to find meaning rather than happiness, he does have something to say. ... wisdom combined with good advice. Peterson is at his best when telling stories of his clinical practice - he comes across as an empathetic non-judgmental listener -- Suzanne Moore * Telegraph *More trenchant life advice from the bestselling author of 12 Rules for Life... bound to be a bestseller * The Times *Reliably thought-provoking, often engrossing ... Peterson has a sharp eye for the vagaries of human nature, and he can be a compelling storyteller, especially when narrating his own experiences and those he has observed from life. There is a fair amount of wisdom in Beyond Order, of the kind that used to be called common sense -- Jenny McCartney * UnHerd *Part quest, part adventure, part lecture and part polemic... There's masses of passion, masses of wisdom and a deep, deep yearning for us all to seek the beauty, truth and meaning Peterson has sometimes glimpsed and is desperate for us to find. He has had tens of thousands of letters from people who say he has helped them to find it. How many writers can say they have done that? -- Christina Patterson * Sunday Times *[Peterson is] enlightening as a clinical psychologist... Peterson's rules are an attempt to locate people within society, to acknowledge the systems and structures that have long existed and, instead of seeking to tear them down, encourage his readers to find their most functional position within them -- Andrew Anthony * Observer *Beyond Order showcases Peterson's extraordinary gift for storytelling, as well as for extrapolating complex psychological themes and deriving lessons and meaning from them in ways lay readers can understand... A delight to read... Peterson is a world class communicator... Beyond Order is a compelling and ultimately life-affirming read for anyone willing to challenge their own ideas and face up to the untapped potential in their lives -- Greg Jameson * Entertainment Focus *Gratitude, he says, is "something in which you can discover part of the antidote to the abyss and the darkness". As I read this last line, I found myself saying "amen". And I realised what Jordan Peterson really is. He has suffered more than most of us. He has seen the abyss. And he has emerged from it not a top public intellectual but a highly driven, intelligent, complex and deservedly successful preacher -- Lucy Kellaway * Financial Times *[Beyond Order] has psychological value and if you want homespun common sense that is mixed with the wisdom of the ages then this is the book for you. The 12 new rules are clearly laid out with a mix of literature, mythology, philosophy, religion and psychology used to support the significance of each... It's worth reading to equip you to live a more purposeful and a more meaningful life -- Stella O’Malley * Irish Independent *'With Beyond Order, Jordan Peterson has given us an astonishingly illuminating look at the human condition. Rule by rule, he digs into the cornerstones of our psyche and culture as he seeks to explain why we behave the way we do' -- Hannah Gal * Quillette *Peterson is a deep thinker with tremendous powers of articulation and a captivating sense of wonder. A master storyteller, he draws on a multitude of sources, including his personal life, clinical practice and long marriage to enlighten readers about the fundamentals of human behavior and our civilization. Beyond Order is a call for action and self-improvement. It is a mind-blowing journey where the lessons learnt are lessons for life * The Jerusalem Post *

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