Popular philosophy Books

Book SynopsisExploring ideas around minimalism, simplicity and how to live comfortably with less. The modern world can be a complicated, frenzied and noisy place, filled with too many options, products, ideas and opinions. That explains why what many of us long for is simplicity: a life that can be more pared down, peaceful and focused on the essentials. But finding simplicity is not always easy; it isn’t just a case of emptying out our closets or trimming back commitments in our diaries. True simplicity requires that we understand the roots of our distractions – and develop a canny respect for the stubborn reasons why things can grow complex and overwhelming. This book is a guide to the simpler lives we crave and deserve. It considers how we might achieve simplicity across a range of areas: our relationships, social lives, work routines and our approaches to possessions and media. Along the way, we learn about Zen Buddhism, modernist architecture, monasteries, psychoanalysis, and why we probably don’t need more than three good friends or a few treasured belongings. It isn’t enough that our lives should look simple; they need to be simple from the inside. This book takes a psychological approach, guiding us towards less contorted hearts and minds. It suggests that once we truly know who we are and what we want, we will be able to live with far less than we currently believe we need. We have for too long been drowning in excess and clutter from a confusion about our aspirations; A Simpler Life helps us tune out the static and focus on what properly matters to us.

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Book SynopsisProvocative and enlightening, Richard Sennett''s The Craftsman is an exploration of craftsmanship - the desire to do a job well for its own sake - as a template for living. Most of us have to work. But is work just a means to an end? In trying to make a living, have we lost touch with the idea of making things well? Pure competition, Sennett shows, will never produce good work. Instead, the values of the craftsman, whether in a Stradivari violin workshop or a modern laboratory, can enrich our lives and change the way we anchor ourselves in the world around us. The past lives of crafts and craftsmen show us ways of working - using tools, acquiring skills, thinking about materials - which provide rewarding alternative ways for people to utilise their talents. We need to recognize this if motivations are to be understood and lives made as fulfilling as possible. ''Lively, engaging and pertinent ... a lifetime''s learning has gone into Trade Review'Richard Sennett is a prime observer of society ... one of his great strengths, the thing that makes his narrative so gripping, is the sheer range of his thinking and his brilliance in relating the past to the present' - Fiona MacCarthy, The Guardian 'A lifetime's learning has gone into this book ... Sennett writes beautifully' - Roger Scruton, Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisBeloved and contemplated by philosophers, architects, writers, and literary theorists alike, this book examines the places in which we place our conscious and unconscious thoughts and guides us through a stream of cerebral meditations on poetry, art, and the blooming of consciousness itself.Trade ReviewPraise for Gaston Bachelard:"[Bachelard] is neither a self-confessed and tortured atheist like Satre, nor, like Chardin, a heretic combining a belief in God with a proficiency in modern science. But, within the French context, he is almost as important as they are because he has a pseudo-religious force, without taking a stand on religion. To define him as briefly as possible – he is a philosopher, with a professional training in the sciences, who devoted most of the second phase of his career to promoting that aspect of human nature which often seems most inimical to science: the poetic imagination ..."– J.G. Weightman, The New York Times Review of Books"[Bachelard] reminds me of skilled chess players who take the biggest pieces with pawns."-Michel Foucault (trans.)Praise for Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves:"Any hope or fear that the experimental novel was an aberration of the twentieth century is dashed by the appearance of Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves, the first major experimental novel of the new millennium. And it's a monster. Dazzling."-Washington Post Book World"An intricate, erudite, and deeply frightening book." - The Wall Street Journal

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Book SynopsisThe answers to our daily worries and anxieties – big or small – lie at the heart of Stoic philosophy. Live Like a Stoic is the essential guide to help us live the good life. It offers a year-long programme of 52 weekly exercises aimed at mastering an array of real-life troubles. Full of practical lessons and sections for journaling, it provides all the tools needed to overcome any life obstacles we might face. Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez have created a unique, personalised Stoic curriculum for a lifetime of practice, showing how relevant this ancient philosophy is to modern life.Trade ReviewA wonderful and potentially life-altering way to encounter the wisdom of the Stoics, Live Like a Stoic provides readers with structured lessons and exercises to explore Stoic philosophy alongside the lives they, themselves, are living -- Professor William B. Irvine, author of A Guide to the Good Life

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Book SynopsisSick of striving? Giving up on grit? Had enough of hustle culture? Daunted by the 10,000-hour rule? Relax: As the French know, it's the best way to be better at everything. In the realm of love, what could be less seductive than someone who's trying to seduce you? Seduction is the art of succeeding without trying, and that's a lesson the French have mastered. We can see it in their laissez-faire parenting, chic style, haute cuisine, and enviable home cooking: they barely seem to be trying, yet the results are world-famous, thanks to a certain je ne sais quoi that is the key to a more creative, fulfilling, and productive life. For fans of both Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and Alain de Botton's How Proust Can Change Your Life, philosopher Ollivier Pourriol's book draws on the examples of such French legends as Descartes, Stendhal, Rodin, Cyrano de Bergerac and Françoise Sagan to show how to be efficient à la française, and how to effortlessly reap the rewards.Trade ReviewA thought-provoking and delightful book -- Simeon House * Daily Mail *[An] amusing and interesting read; even Pourriol's description of his approach to the material is a lesson in the laissez-faire outlook. * Booklist *A compelling look at the French attitude toward making things look easy ... For lovers of all things French, but also for those who enjoy philosophy and self-help books that discuss working smarter, not harder. * Library Journal *A laissez-faire guide to self-help. This is a book for those who aspire to the déshabillé, Serge-Gainsbourg-and-Jane-Birkin-morning-after look and the studied negligence of the Parisian Bobo (bourgeois-bohemian). * The Times *

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Book SynopsisKim Suhyun (Author) Kim Suhyun is a writer and illustrator based in Seoul, South Korea. Her books have sold more than 2 million copies in Korea, and I Decided to Live as Me is being published around the world in more than a dozen languages.Anton Hur (Translator) Anton Hur was born in Stockholm, Sweden. He is the translator of the runaway Korean bestseller, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, he won a PEN Translates award for Kang Kyeong-ae's The Underground Village, and his translation of Bora Chung's Cursed Bunny was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize. He lives in Seoul, South Korea.

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Book SynopsisThe first in a new series of guided journals, leading the customer on a journey of self-reflection.

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLERFrom one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life - Alain de Botton sets out to understand our universal fear of failure - and how we might change it''De Botton''s gift is to prompt us to think about how we live and how we might change things'' The Times We all worry about what others think of us. We all long to succeed and fear failure. We all suffer - to a greater or lesser degree, usually privately and with embarrassment - from status anxiety. Alain de Botton gives a name to this universal condition and sets out to investigate both its origins and possible solutions. He looks at history, philosophy, economics, art and politics - and reveals the many ingenious ways that great minds have overcome their worries. The result is a book that is not only entertaining andTrade ReviewDe Botton analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief when most books offering solutions to the stresses of life recommend the lotus position * Daily Mail *Measured, amused, compassionate . . . de Botton is a surefooted discoverer of the pungent but less well-known quote * Daily Telegraph *A purveyor of serious but playful manuals for living * GQ *Turned me into a fan, for its range, insight, wit and sheer usefulness * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisOur society worships at the fountain of youth. Each year, we try to delay the arrival of old age, using everything at our disposal, from extreme exercise and botox to pilates and cosmetic dentistry. But in the process, are we missing out on a distinct and extraordinarily valuable stage of life? Asking whether it is better to be forever young or to grin toothlessly and live an authentic old age, bestselling author Daniel Klein journeys to the Greek island of Hydra. There he draws on the lives of octogenarian Greek locals, as well as philosophers ranging from Epicurus to Sartre, to discover the secrets of ageing happily. An escapist travel memoir, a droll meditation, and an optimistic guide to living well, this is a delightful jaunt through the terrain of old age, led by a witty and uniquely perceptive modern-day sage.Trade ReviewIt’s an affectionate portrait of the island [of Hydra] but is really a primer on making the most of life’ * Daily Telegraph, best books of 2014 *'I was bowled over by its easy charm and hard-won wisdom.' * Daily Mail *'Charming and intelligent. I enjoyed this book very much.' -- Diana Athill'Wry, whimsical, amusing and intelligent.' * Daily Telegraph *'Charming and accessible, this philosophical survey simply and accessibly makes academic philosophy relevant to ordinary human emotion.' * Kirkus Reviews *'An insightful meditation.' * The New York Times *'Both seduces and delights.' * Scotsman *'Klein's narrative is a delightful and spirited conversation, offering up the ingredients inherent to the art of living well in old age.' * Publishers Weekly *'Funny and wry.' * Huffington Post *

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Book SynopsisOver 100 extraordinary people. One profound question. Countless life-affirming answers.

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Book SynopsisCleanliness is next to enlightenment. In this Japanese bestseller a Buddhist monk explains the traditional meditative techniques that will help cleanse not only your house - but your soul.Live clean. Feel calm. Be happy. We remove dust to sweep away our worldly cares. We live simply and take time to contemplate the self, mindfully living each moment. It's not just monks that need to live this way. Everyone in today's busy world needs it.In Japan, cleanliness is next to enlightenment. This bestselling guide by a Zen Buddhist monk draws on ancient traditions to show you how a few simple changes to your daily habits - from your early morning routine to preparingfood, from respecting the objects around you to working together as a team -will not only make your home calmer and cleaner, but will leave you feeling refreshed, happier and more fulfilled.Trade ReviewThe most unusual self-help book of 2018 ... There is something surprisingly calming about just reading the book, hearing Matsumoto's simple instructions and admiring the clean pen drawings of Japanese sandals and brooms -- Jane Fryer * Daily Mail *A bestseller in Japan, this charming book offers practical cleaning tips as well as fascinating insights into the Buddhist approach to life, which counters the wastefulness of modern society with a respect for spaces and objects that is deeply humane ... Ideal preparatory reading for the January clean -- PD Smith * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisRobert M. Pirsig was born in 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He holds degrees in chemistry, philosophy, and journalism and also studied Oriental philosophy at Benares Hindu University in India. He is the author of this book's sequel, entitled Lila.Trade ReviewMr Pirsig has written a work of great, perhaps urgent, importance. Read this book * Observer *Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is an unforgettable trip * Time *Disturbing, deeply moving, full of insights. This is a wonderful book * Times Literary Supplement *The book is inspired, original...the narrative tact, the perfect economy of effect defy criticism.The analogies with Moby-Dick are patent * New Yorker *Profoundly important-full of insights into our most perplexing contemporary dilemmas * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisThe perfect gift for the smart thinker in your life.For several years Ian Olasov has set up 'Ask-a-Philosopher' booths around New York City, answering questions from passersby. Now in this book he offers answers to the real-life questions on people's minds.From the philosophical to the frivolous, questions include:- Are people innately good or bad?- Is it okay to have a pet fish?- Is it okay to have kids?- Is colour subjective?- If humans colonise Mars, who will own the land?- Is ketchup a smoothie?- Is there life after death?- Should I give money to homeless people?Every question is approached from a philosophical standpoint, but the answer is made fun and accessible for everyone. One of the many joys of this book is that you see how philosophy can be both perfectly continuous with everyday life and also utterly transporting.

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Book Synopsis'Baggini offers us a tempting smorgasbord of some of the most baffling, weird and occasionally downright creepy scenarios ever envisaged... enjoy these mind-boggling tales from the outer limit of thought' Guardian Is it right to eat a pig that wants to be eaten? Are you really reading this book cover, or are you in a simulation? If God is all-powerful, could he create a square circle? Here are 100 of the most intriguing thought experiments from the history of philosophy and ideas - questions to leave you inspired, informed and scratching your head, dumbfounded. A collection of short, accessible philosophical quandaries to stimulate, challenge and entertain. 'This book is like the Sudoku of moral philosophy: apply your mind to any of its "thought experiments" while stuck on the Tube, and quickly be transported out of rush-hour hell' New StatesmanTrade ReviewBaggini offers us a tempting smorgasbord of some of the most baffling, weird and occasionally downright creepy scenarios ever envisaged... enjoy these mind-boggling tales from the outer limit of thought * Guardian *This book is like the Sudoku of moral philosophy: apply your mind to any of its "thought experiments" while stuck on the Tube, and quickly be transported out of rush-hour hell * New Statesman *Thinking again is what this taut, incisive, bullet-hard book is dedicated to promoting * Sunday Times *An eloquent and engaging introduction to the major philosophical quandaries * Scotland on Sunday *An engaging read ... It's one to which I'll keep returning - whenever I feel like an argument and have nobody to argue with * Sunday Herald *An eloquent and engaging introduction to the major philosophical quandaries about identity, knowledge, morality and rationality.It is the best kind of popularising work: amusing enough to provide an easy way into difficult questions, but uncompromising in terms of the meanings deduced from the fables * Scotland on Sunday *Baggini frames various philosophical conundrums so that we focus on the nub of the matter without the extraneous considerations that complicate them in real life... helpfully cross- referenced and ideal for reading aloud * Metro (London) *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Elegant. . . . Fontaine calls Cicero’s ‘On the Ideal Orator’ a ‘masterpiece’ and Quintilian’s ‘The Education of the Orator’ ‘a master textbook on public speaking.’ Neither is an understatement."---Joseph Epstein, Wall Street Journal"Michael Fontaine’s lively new translation of Cicero’s ancient text on humor, How to Tell a Joke, amuses as well as instructs."---Linda B. Glaser, Cornell Chronicle"[How to Tell a Joke] will make you happier, it will make you better read, and, I’m pretty confident, it will make you laugh."---Ben Potter, Classical Wisdom"Wonderful translations. . . . [Fontaine’s] translations make the Latin very accessible to the modern reader who might not have any skill in translation at all. This modern translation also makes the language of Cicero and Quintilian come alive to the reader. . . .it gives you a glimpse of the Roman sense of humour, barbs, quips and the workings of extraordinary jurists in a court playing to a captive audience. . . . [A] wonderful book."---Dr. LF Ivings, Journal of Classics Teaching

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Book Synopsis''Why can''t a human be more like a cat? That is the question threaded through this vivid patchwork of philosophy, fiction, history and memoir ... a wonderful mixture of flippancy and profundity, astringency and tenderness, wit and lament'' Jane O''Grady, Daily Telegraph''When I play with my cat, how do I know she is not passing time with me rather than I with her?'' MontaigneThere is no real evidence that humans ever ''domesticated'' cats. Rather, it seems that at some point cats saw the potential value to themselves of humans. John Gray''s wonderful new book is an attempt to get to grips with the philosophical and moral issues around the uniquely strange relationship between ourselves and these remarkable animals.Feline Philosophy draws on centuries of philosophy, from Montaigne to Schopenhauer, to explore the complex and intimate links that have defined how we react to and behave with this most unlikely ''pet''.At the heart of the book is a sense of gratitude towards cats as perhaps the species that more than any other - in the essential loneliness of our position in the world - gives us a sense of our own animal nature.Trade ReviewThe intellectual cat's pyjamas ... Gray's is the perfect book for the estranging oddness of the pandemic. -- Tim Adams * The Observer *Why can't a human be more like a cat? That is the question threaded through this vivid patchwork of philosophy, fiction, history and memoir ... Feline Philosophy is a wonderful mixture of flippancy and profundity, astringency and tenderness, wit and lament. -- Jane O'Grady * Daily Telegraph *Engaging, amusing, perceptive and untimely, in the most admirable Nietzschean sense. -- Mark Rowlands * New Statesman *An elegant philosophical study of the good life ... one of the most important thinkers alive ... It's a mark of the book's subtlety that you're not quite sure how seriously to take him. -- James Marriott * The Times *A scratching, spitting, and finally purring tour de force. -- Will Self

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Book SynopsisThe single most influential spokesperson for organic psychedelics' The Independent What can altered states of consciousness reveal about our origins and our place in nature?In this landmark piece of psychedelic literature renowned ethnobotanist and psychonaut Terence McKenna explores our ancient relationship with organic psychedelics and opens a doorway to a higher state of being for us all. An odyssey of mind, body and spirit, Food of the Gods is one of the most fascinating and surprising histories of consciousness ever written. A daring work of scholarship and exploration, it offers an inspiring vision for individual fulfilment and a humane basis for our interaction with each other and the natural world.''The modern classic on mind-altering drugs and hallucinogens'' The Washington Post Trade ReviewThe single most influential spokesperson for organic psychedelics * The Independent *The modern classic on mind-altering drugs and hallucinogens * The Washington Post *The culture’s foremost spokesperson for the psychedelic experience * L.A. Weekly *Essential reading for anyone who ever wondered why people take drugs -- Rupert SheldrakeFood Of The Gods deploys some entertaining learning, and provides an exciting challenge to conventional thinking. * The Independent *

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Book Synopsis'A striking memoir...A must-read for anyone healing from complex trauma' Jeanette McCurdy, bestselling author of I'm Glad My Mom DiedEvery cell in my body is filled with the code of generations of trauma, of death, of birth, of migration, of history that I cannot understand. . . . I want to have words for what my bones know. By the age of thirty, Stephanie Foo was successful on paper: she had her dream job as an award-winning radio producer at This American Life and a loving boyfriend. But behind her office door, she was having panic attacks and sobbing at her desk every morning. After years of questioning what was wrong with herself, she was diagnosed with complex PTSD - a condition that occurs when trauma happens continuously, over the course of years. Both of Foo's parents abandoned her when she was a teenager, after years of physical and verbal abuse and neglect. She thought she'd moved on, but her new diagnosis illuminated the way her past continued to threaten her health, relationships, and career. She found limited resources to help her, so Foo set out to heal herself, and to map her experiences onto the scarce literature about C-PTSD. In this deeply personal and thoroughly researched account, Foo interviews scientists and psychologists and tries a variety of innovative therapies. She returns to her hometown in California to investigate the effects of immigrant trauma on the community, and she uncovers family secrets in the country of her birth, Malaysia, to learn how trauma can be inherited through generations. Ultimately, she discovers that you don't move on from trauma - but you can learn to move with it. Powerful, enlightening and hopeful, What My Bones Know is a brave narrative that reckons with the hold of the past over the present, the mind over the body - and examines one woman's ability to reclaim agency from her trauma.Trade ReviewA striking memoir...A must-read for anyone healing from complex trauma -- Jeanette McCurdy, bestselling author of I'M GLAD MY MOM DIEDAn intimate, deeply engrossing story of psychological recovery * The Australian *As Foo sheds necessary light on the little-discussed topic of C-PTSD, she holds out the hope that while 'healing is never final . . . along with the losses are the triumphs' that can positively transform a traumatized life. . . . A sharp, insightful and stirring memoir. * Kirkus Reviews *Foo's writing is shrewdly insightful. In telling her story so compellingly, she joins authors such as Anna Qu and Ly Tran in adding nuance to the 'model minority' myth, if not actively subverting it. . . . Highly recommended. -- Library Journal (starred review)This is a work of immense beauty. * Publishers Weekly *Many trauma survivors struggle to describe the seemingly indescribable sense of carrying something intangibly sharp - something there but not there - inside. But in What My Bones Know, Stephanie Foo details that and more. Her achingly exquisite memoir takes us on a journey through complex trauma, illuminating her path of self-discovery and providing real hope for those who long to heal. -- Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of MAYBE YOU SHOULD TALK TO SOMEONEWhat My Bones Know is an absolute triumph. Foo's beautifully written memoir is a balm and a light for anyone afraid that their early traumas have permanently stunted their capacity for connection, love, and purpose. This book is a must-read for anyone hungry for hope. -- Christie Tate, New York Times bestselling author of GROUPStephanie Foo's incredible memoir speaks to so many things at once: the horrors of an abusive childhood, the enduring power of trauma, the messy science of the brain and the lifelong quest for meaning and healing. Funny and tragic, unflinchingly honest and relentlessly hopeful, What My Bones Know is a marvel of a book. -- Ed Yong, New York Times bestselling author of I CONTAIN MULTITUDESFoo's journalistic eye serves her generously through a hard-won examination of trauma and its aftermath. I cried while turning the pages; I knew that I was witnessing an astonishing literary endeavour. For others who live with C-PTSD, this is a crucial, life-changing book. -- Esmé Weijun Wang, New York Times bestselling author of THE COLLECTED SCHIZOPHRENIASAt turns funny and devastating, terrifying and transcendent, Foo's quest for understanding should be relevant not just to someone with C-PTSD but to anyone seeking to grow and be present in this one life. -- Jenny Odell, New York Times bestselling author of HOW TO DO NOTHINGIn What My Bones Know, Stephanie Foo mines her past in search of answers, uncovering what it means to navigate trauma over generations. With striking candidness, Foo takes readers on her journey to understand her diagnosis of complex PTSD, weaving together reporting and personal history. A testament to Foo's determination, What My Bones Know is an act of reclamation - and a bold, defiant proclamation: "I am here." -- Kat Chow, author of SEEING GHOSTS

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Book Synopsis'A spiritual polymath, the first and possibly greatest' Deepak ChopraThe spiritual is not to be separated from the material, nor the wonderful from the ordinary This remarkable collection of essays from pioneering Zen scholar Alan Watts offer a challenging and comprehensive insight into 'cosmic consciousness'. From the paradoxes of self-consciousness to psychedelics and the connection of spirit and matter, this is a mind-opening exploration into the relationship between spirituality and ordinary life.Trade ReviewThe perfect guide for a course correction in life -- Deepak Chopra

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Book SynopsisWhat can freedom really mean?'One of the most electrifying writers at work in America today, among the sharpest and most supple thinkers of her generation' OLIVIA LAINGIn this invigorating, essential book, Maggie Nelson explores how we might think, experience or talk about freedom. Drawing on pop culture, theory and real life, she follows freedom - with all its complexities - through four realms: art, sex, drugs and climate. On Freedom offers a bold new perspective on the challenging times in which we live.'Tremendously energising' Guardian'This provocative meditation...shows Nelson at her most original and brilliant' New York Times'Nelson is such a friend to her reader, such brilliant company... Exhilarating' Literary Review* A New York Times Notable Book *Trade ReviewWith insight and intellectual rigour Nelson wrestles the concept of "freedom" away from its contemporary political misuses and explores what it means in the context of art, sex, drugs and climate. * Guardian *Part of what makes [Nelson's] writing so compelling is a comfort with uncertainty... It is a delight to spend time with Nelson's erudite mind. * Times Literary Supplement *Nelson is such a friend to her reader, such brilliant company. Her book is a nuanced, exhilarating rallying cry for all those who are tired of the drab norms of our tech-topia and who long for another conversation * Literary Review *[Nelson's] books vary between an academic or lyrical register, but all revel in the recognition that feeling and thought aren't fixed... They encourage a slowing down, an absorbing... [and a] willingness for intellectual and linguistic exploration. * Financial Times *This account soars in its ability to find nuance in considering questions of enormous importance... Once again, Nelson proves herself a masterful thinker and an unparalleled prose stylist. * Starred Publishers Weekly Review *

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Book Synopsis'Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths.' A timeless classic in personal development, The Road Less Travelled is a landmark work that has inspired millions. Drawing on the experiences of his career as a psychiatrist, Scott Peck combines scientific and spiritual views to guide us through the difficult, painful times in life by showing us how to confront our problems through the key principles of discipline, love and grace. Teaching us how to distinguish dependency from love, how to become a more sensitive parent and how to connect with your true self, this incredible book is the key to accepting and overcoming life's challenges and achieving a higher level of self-understanding.Trade ReviewA brilliant self-help book, which I found genuinely inspiring...I love this book, it's my spiritual refuge and I'm certain everyone will find something to console them within these pages. -- Boy George * Sunday Express *Not just a book but a spontaneous act of generosity * The Washington Post *

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Book Synopsis‘An elegant, thoughtful book . . . beautifully expresses the importance and experience of liberation from the battery-hen life of constant connection and crowds.’ Daily Mail‘A compelling study of the subtle ways in which modern life and technologies have transformed our behaviour and sense of self.’ Times Literary SupplementIn a world of social media and smartphones, true solitude has become increasingly hard to find. In this timely and important book, award-winning writer Michael Harris reveals why our hyper-connected society makes time alone more crucial than ever. He delves into the latest neuroscience to examine the way innovations like Google Maps and Facebook are eroding our ability to be by ourselves. He tells the stories of the remarkable people – from pioneering computer scientists to great nineteenth-century novelists – who managed to find solitude in the most unexpected of places. And he explores how solitude can bring clarity and creativity to each of our inner lives. Urgent, eloquent and beautifully argued, Solitude might just change the way you think about being alone.‘Speaks to a long-overdue conversation we still haven’t properly had in our society.’ Vice‘A timely, elegant provocation to daydream and wander.’ Nathan Filer, author of The Shock of the Fall‘The leading thinker about technology’s corrupting influence on our collective psyche.’ Newsweek‘A poetic, contemplative journey into the benefits of solo sojourning.’ ElleTrade ReviewThe leading thinker about technology’s corrupting influence on our collective psyche. * Newsweek *An elegant, thoughtful book . . . beautifully expresses the importance and experience of liberation from the battery-hen life of constant connection and crowds. * Daily Mail *A compelling study of the subtle ways in which modern life and technologies have transformed our behaviour and sense of self . . . The strength of Harris’s argument lies in his showing how seemingly harmless new technologies insidiously influence our ways of being . . . Harris proposes ways in which we can discover ourselves within an increasingly digitally connected world. * Times Literary Supplement *I came away from this book a better human being. Michael Harris’s take on existence is calm, unique, and makes one's soul feel good yet never once does he rely on feel-good techniques. -- Douglas CouplandA timely, eloquent provocation to daydream and wander. -- Nathan Filer, author of THE SHOCK OF THE FALLA poetic, contemplative journey into the benefits of solo sojourning. The book – which weaves together personal anecdotes and fascinating research – makes a convincing argument for stepping away from the crowd (and your even more crowded phone) and scheduling some soul-resetting me time. * ELLE *Harris's book isn’t preachy; rather, it recasts small lifestyle changes as part of a struggle to regain that sense of self . . . It speaks to a long overdue conversation we still haven't properly had in our society. * VICE *Harris has an intuition that being alone with ourselves, paying attention to inner silence and being able to experience outer silence, is an essential part of being human . . . Thick with fact and argument and some fine writing. -- Paul Kingsnorth * New Statesman *An insightful, lively meditation on why this increasingly scarce component of our lives should be preserved. * Globe and Mail *Elegant, accessible and often hilarious. * Chicago Tribune *Harris is always an engaging writer, easy to read and capable of expressing his arguments in memorable and helpful ways. * Quill & Quire *

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Book SynopsisRoman Krznaric is a social philosopher who writes about the power of ideas to create change. His internationally bestselling books, including The Good Ancestor, Empathy, and Carpe Diem Regained, have been published in more than twenty-five languages. He is Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University's Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing and founder of the world's first Empathy Museum.After growing up in Sydney and Hong Kong, Roman studied at the universities of Oxford, London and Essex, where he gained his PhD in political science. His writings have been widely influential amongst political and ecological campaigners, education reformers, social entrepreneurs and designers. An acclaimed public speaker, his talks and workshops have taken him from a London prison to the TED global stage.Roman is a member of the Club of Rome and a Research Fellow of the Long Now Foundation. He previously worked as an academic, a gardener and a human

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Book SynopsisMetaphysics is one of the traditional four main branches of philosophy, alongside ethics, logic and epistemology. It is also an area that continues to attract and hold a fascination for many people yet it is associated with being complex and abstract. For some it is associated with the mystical or religious. For others it is known through the metaphysical poets who talk of love and spirituality. This Very Short Introduction goes right to the heart of the matter, getting to the basic and most important questions of metaphysical thought in order to understand the theory: What are objects? Do colours and shapes have some form of existence? What is it for one thing to cause another rather than just being associated with it? What is possible? Does time pass? By using these questions to initiate thought about the basic issues around substance, properties, changes, causes, possibilities, time, personal identity, nothingness and emergentism, Stephen Mumford provides a clear and simple path through this analytical tradition at the core of philosophical thought. 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 ReviewIt manages to be jargon-free without sacrificing rigour and complexity. * Times Higher Education Supplement *Table of ContentsFURTHE READING: WHAT SHOULD YOU READ NEXT?; INDEX

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Book SynopsisThe stoics lived a long time ago, but they had some startling insights into the human condition-insights which endure to this day. The philosophical tradition, founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in 301 BC, endured as an active movement for almost 500 years, and contributions from dazzling minds such as Cicero, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius helped create a body of thought with an extraordinary goal-to provide a rational, healthy way of living in harmony with the nature of the universe and in respect of our relationships with each other. In many ways a precursor to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Stoicism provides an armamentarium of strategies and techniques for developing psychological resilience, while celebrating all in life which is beautiful and important. By learning what stoicism is, you can revolutionize your life and learn how to seize the day, live happily and be a better person. This simple, empowering book shows how to use this ancient wisdom to make Table of Contents : Meet the Stoics : The Basic Principles and Practices of Stoicism : The Stoic Fork and Reserve Clause : Psychological Distancing and Disputation : Contemplation of the Sage : Virtue and Action : Freewill and Determinism : The Here and Now and Impermanence : Premeditation of Adversity : Contemplation of Death : The View from Above : The Morning and Evening Meditation : Epicureanism : Stoicism and Modern Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MCBT)

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Book Synopsis'I never imagined that the wind would blow me here, to a kind of isolation I have never experienced... There is never anything out here but my shadow, that no one treads on any more'When Jade's partner leaves the barn that they moved into just weeks before, he leaves a dent in the wall and her life unravelled. Numbed from years in a destructive, abusive relationship, she faces an uncertain future and complete solitude. Slowly, with the help of Devon's salted cliffs and damp forested footpaths, Jade comes back to life and discovers the power of being alone.As Jade reacclimatizes, she considers what it means to live alone. Through conversations with other hermits across the world, Fitton sheds light on the myriad - and often misunderstood - ways of living alone: from monks to hikikomori, and the largely ignored female hermit. Jade questions whether hermitic living is possible in an era of constant communication and increased housing costs as she finds herself financially unstable and itinerant. She realises that home doesn't exist within walls, but within the landscape of her childhood home county.Lyrically written, this is an inspirational story of recovery, of finding home, and of celebrating solitude in the natural world.Trade ReviewA dreamy, beautiful book about the consolations of solitude. In Hermit, Jade wanders a sunlit, windswept, delicately drawn landscape of loss and longing, and in doing so finds the stillness at the centre of herself. Hopeful and open-hearted. -- Cal Flyn, author of 'Islands of Abandonment'A compelling, engrossing memoir that beautifully encapsulates the human experience (both the misery and the magic) of suddenly finding yourself rebuilding life from the ground up, alone. I loved it. * Emma Gannon *Hermit is a beautiful written debut memoir drawing on the hermetic tradition that shows the power of being alone. -- Katherine May, author of WinteringA book of spellbinding brilliance by a writer of rare talent. -- Tristan GooleyThis distinctive, alluring memoir, reminiscent of The Outrun by Amy Liptrot, relates how Fitton slowly learns to live alone and celebrate solitude in the natural world. * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER Give the gift of inspiration: an essential guide to living wisely and well, no matter what challenges the world throws at you - from Alain de Botton, the bestselling author of The Consolations of Philosophy, The Art of Travel and The Course of LoveThis is a book about everything you were never taught at school. It''s about how to understand your emotions, find and sustain love, succeed in your career, fail well and overcome shame and guilt. It''s also about letting go of the myth of a perfect life in order to achieve genuine emotional maturity. Written in a hugely accessible, warm and humane style, The School of Life is the ultimate guide to the emotionally fulfilled lives we all long for - and deserve. This book brings together ten years of essential and transformative research on emotional intelligence, with practical topics including: - how to understand yourself- how to master the dilemmas of relationships- how to become more effective at work - how to endure failure- how to grow more serene and resilient Praise for Alain de Botton:''What he has managed to do is remarkable: to help us think better so that we may live better lives'' Irish Times''A serious and optimistic set of practical ideas that could improve and alter the way we live'' Jeanette Winterson, The Times''Alain de Botton likes to take big, complex subjects and write about them with thoughtful and deceptive innocence'' ObserverTrade Review[Alain] de Botton's injunction to understand ourselves could not matter more. * The Times *It is an amazing book. Beautifully written . . . a beautiful book that you should have in your home * Chris Evans *

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Book Synopsis'The monk who taught the world mindfulness' TimeOne breath, one step is all we need to feel at home and comfortable in the here and nowIn this enlightening series, world-renowned spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hanh shares the foundations of mindfulness practice and meditation.By applying considered breath and meditation, How to Smile acts as a guide to show us how to transform hurt into healing, while also allowing us to explore the strong emotions of anger, sadness, regret and fear.This is the essential guide to help you heal.Trade ReviewThe father of mindfulness * Irish Times *Thich Nhat Hanh is a holy man ... a scholar of immense intellectual capacity * Martin Luther King *Thich Nhat Hanh shows us the connection between personal inner peace and peace on earth * The Dalai Lama *The monk who taught the world mindfulness * Time *

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Book Synopsis“Every time I find the meaning of life, they change it.” The words of Reinhold Niebuhr provide the title and set the tone for what is a wryly humorous look at some of the great philosophical pronouncements on the most important question we can face. Daniel Klein’s philosophical journey began fifty years ago with just this conundrum; he began an undergraduate degree in philosophy at Harvard University to glean some clue as to what the answer could be. Now in his seventies, Klein looks back at the wise words of the great philosophers and considers how his own life has measured up. Told with the same brilliantly dry sense of humour that made Travels with Epicurus a Sunday Times bestseller, Every Time I Find the Meaning of Life, They Change It is a pithy, dry, and eminently readable commentary on one of the most profound subjects there is.Trade Review‘Daniel Klein’s relaxed and humorous style is deceptive. You will enjoy his wit and then realise that you have been treated to his wisdom. It is a superb introduction to philosophy, showing how its problems are not only intriguing and challenging but also of the utmost relevance to our lives.’ -- Raymond Tallis, author of The Kingdom of Infinite Space

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Book SynopsisIf you want to know your Socrates from your Sartre and your Confucius from your Kant, strap in for this whirlwind tour of the highlights of philosophy. Philosophy is a quest for wisdom and knowledge; philosophia in Ancient Greek literally means “love of wisdom”. The aim of philosophy is to ask and explore life’s big questions to help us work out what we can know and how we can live a good life. Today, in a world of fake news, embarking on a quest for truth couldn’t be more important. This pocket-sized introduction to important philosophers and key philosophical ideas includes accessible primers on: The early Greek philosophers and the “big three”: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle Key schools of philosophy from around the world – from ancient philosophy right up to the present day – and their impact on modern life Insights into the main questions philosophers have explored over the years: Who am I? What is the meaning of life? Do I have free will? Practical applications for the theories of Descartes, Kant, Wollstonecraft, Marx, Nietzsche and many more. This illuminating little book will introduce you to the key thinkers, themes and theories you need to know to understand how human ideas have sculpted the world we live in and the way we think today. A perfect gift for anyone taking their first steps into the world of philosophy, as well as for those who want to brush up their knowledge.

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Book SynopsisIn this rare peak into the personal life of the author of numerous bestselling novels, gain an understanding of David Foster Wallace and how he became the man that he was.Only once did David Foster Wallace give a public talk on his views on life, during a commencement address given in 2005 at Kenyon College. The speech is reprinted for the first time in book form in This is Water. How does one keep from going through their comfortable, prosperous adult life unconsciously? How do we get ourselves out of the foreground of our thoughts and achieve compassion? The speech captures Wallace''s electric intellect as well as his grace in attention to others. After his death, it became a treasured piece of writing reprinted in The Wall Street Journal and the London Times, commented on endlessly in blogs, and emailed from friend to friend.Writing with his one-of-a-kind blend of causal humor, exacting intellect, and practical philosophy, David Foster Wallace probes the challenges of daily living and offers advice that renews us with every reading.

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Book SynopsisDrawing on the author''s work with primates - as well as on psychological experiments, language and anecdote - this book explores the widespread idea that humans are superior to animals, and argues that we need to divest ourselves of this belief in order to stop destroying the planet and ensure a habitable environment for future species. It shows how our belief in our superior intelligence and importance is not actually inherent in us, and not something many children share, but something learned and acquired by the time we are adults, in Western culture in particular. It also explores how our belief that we are ''above'' nature has contributed to climate change but also to pandemics like Covid 19. In the market this would sit alongside other books like Entangled Life, Other Minds and The Hidden Life of Trees, about nature and the intelligence of non-human life forms - but what sets this book apart is its particular focus on the link between human exceptionalism and the ecological crisi

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewUndeniably thought-provoking * Christopher Hart, Sunday Times *Truly ... a good book, full of sage counsel, wise advice and comfort for the sorrowing * Richard Holloway, Observer *There is an immense depth of human wisdom on display here, and five minutes with any passage will have you contemplating all day * Independent on Sunday *There are many sentences, thoughts and sentiments in The Good Book that are illuminating, life-enhancing and revelatory on a personal level * Glasgow Herald *I am glad he put this book together and it will occupy a valuable place in my library as a source for inspiration and wisdom. **** * Terry Waite, Sunday Express *Grayling is ... a skilled writer of prose ... most impressively [he] demonstrates mastery of Greek history and culture in Histories and Acts * Rabbi Ariel Abel, Jewish News *Professor Grayling himself neatly exemplifies the values of calm rationality which are at the heart of Stoicism, and which influenced early Christian thought * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisThe feminist book they tried to ban in FranceA delightful book' Roxane GayWomen, especially feminists and lesbians, have long been accused of hating men. Our instinct is to deny it at all costs. (After all, women have been burnt at the stake for admitting to less.)But what if mistrusting men, disliking men and yes, maybe even hating men is, in fact, a useful response to sexism? What if such a response offers a way out of oppression, a means of resistance? What if it even offers a path to joy, solidarity and sisterhood?In this sparkling essay, as mischievous and provocative as it is urgent and serious, Pauline Harmange interrogates modern attitudes to feminism and makes a rallying cry for women to find a greater love for each other and themselves.Trade Review‘A good book, written from a burning heart but with a cool head’ The Times ‘Rousing … a call to liberation. Her writing is full of hope, unwavering in its trust of other women and their abilities’ Independent ‘An exhilarating essay to be read in one sitting’ Libération ‘Written in wise prose, devoid of excess or rage, I Hate Men explores the terrain of contemporary feminism, its arguments in keeping with those of writers like Rebecca Solnit, as well as the movement's key ideas: patriarchy, the mental load, #MeToo and solidarity’ L’Obs

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Book SynopsisThis book is no less than a guide to the whole of Western philosophy--the ideas that have undergirded our civilization for two-and-a-half thousand years. Anthony Kenny tells the story of philosophy from ancient Greece through the Middle Ages and the Enlightenment into the modern world. He introduces us to the great thinkers and their ideas, starting with Plato, Aristotle, and the other founders of Western thought. In the second part of the book he takes us through a thousand years of medieval philosophy, and shows us the rich intellectual legacy of Christian thinkers like Augustine, Aquinas, and Ockham. Moving into the early modern period, we explore the great works of Descartes, Hobbes, Locke, Leibniz, Spinoza, Hume, and Kant, which remain essential reading today. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Hegel, Mill, Nietzsche, Freud, and Wittgenstein again transformed the way we see the world. Running though the book are certain themes which have been constant concerns of philosophy since its early beginnings: the fundamental questions of what exists and how we can know about it; the nature of humanity, the mind, truth, and meaning; the place of God in the universe; how we should live and how society should be ordered. Anthony Kenny traces the development of these themes through the centuries: we see how the questions asked and answers offered by the great philosophers of the past remain vividly alive today. Anyone interested in ideas and their history will find this a fascinating and stimulating read.Trade ReviewThis is an excellent update on the original. The main advantage of this much fatter version is the direct contact with primary sources that it gives to students ... I have nominated this as the main textbook for the course I teach * Ben Pugh, Cliff College *Table of ContentsPART I: ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY; PART II: MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY; PART III: THE RISE OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY; PART IV: PHILOSOPHY IN THE MODERN WORLD

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Book SynopsisWorried about purpose? Most people are. But no one has to be. Brené Brown meets Malcolm Gladwell in this ground-breaking self-improvement book that reveals how to make a mark and how to set goals in life without falling into the anxiety traps of conventional success principles books. The ultimate in purpose anxiety relief, and a map for anyone to find happiness.Purpose can change your life.Having a sense of purpose has been scientifically proven to help people find happiness, longevity, and health.But lots of us are also worried about purposepurpose anxiety has been estimated to affect as much as 91% of people.What's going on? And how do we do purpose the right wayto unlock all its many benefits, set goals in life, make a mark and journey from anxiety to legacy?This question set hospice doctor and writer Jordan Grumet on a quest, and The Purpose Code shares his remarkable findings to help you change your future forever. The result is a self-development book like no other.It turns out that we fundamentally misunderstand purpose and the role it plays in our lives. In fact, there are two different types of purpose. One will lead to anxiety and disillusionment; the other will lead to connection and lasting legacy.In The Purpose Code, Jordan will: Chart a course for you to reach happiness through understanding the deep human truths behind the concepts of Meaning and Purpose (including life review therapy and simple ways of healing generational trauma) Equip you with a practical and proven framework for unlocking your real purpose, and show you the life-changingly enjoyable way to climb to goals, regardless of your situation in life Arm you to differentiate between the two types of purpose when finding life purpose (and show you the hidden reasons why one is always more fulfilling than the other) Set you on the way to building a genuinely lasting impact long after you're gone.Finding happiness has never been about creating big audacious goals that we may or may not be able to achieve. True contentment comes from filling our lives with enriching activities that lead to connection and, ultimately, legacy. Swap grand but ultimately empty success books for this small goals book, and begin creating your true purpose today.

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Book SynopsisEpicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher and the founder of the school of philosophy called Epicureanism. Only a few fragments of his works remain, and much of what is known about his philosophy derives from later followers and commentators.Daniel Klein is author of Travels with Epicurus and coauthor of the New York Times bestseller Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar.

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Book Synopsis‘One of the greatest thinkers of the age’ The Dalai Lama'One of the five saints of the 20th century' - TIME magazine 'Krishnamurti influenced me profoundly' - Deepak Chopra Who are you?What are you?What do you want from life? One of the world’s great philosophical teachers, Krishnamurti, offers his inspiring wisdom on many of life’s hurdles from relationships and love, to anxiety and loneliness. He answers such questions as ‘What is the significance of life?’ and 'How do I live life to the full?' to reveal the best way of being true to yourself. Read by millions from all walks of life, Krishnamurti shows us there is no path, no higher authority, no guru to follow, and that ultimately it is our own responsibility as to how we live our lives.

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Book SynopsisA fascinating exploration of how computer algorithms can be applied to our everyday lives.In this dazzlingly interdisciplinary work, acclaimed author Brian Christian and cognitive scientist Tom Griffiths show us how the simple, precise algorithms used by computers can also untangle very human questions. Modern life is constrained by limited space and time, limits that give rise to a particular set of problems. What should we do, or leave undone, in a day or a lifetime? How much messiness should we accept? The authors explain how to have better hunches and when to leave things to chance, how to deal with overwhelming choices and how best to connect with others.From finding a spouse to finding a parking spot, from organizing one''s inbox to understanding the workings of human memory, Algorithms To Live By is full of practical takeaways to help you solve common decision-making problems and illuminate the workings of the human mind.Trade Review‘I’ve been waiting for a book to come along that merges computational models with human psychology – and Christian and Griffiths have succeeded beyond all expectations. This is a wonderful book, written so that anyone can understand the computer science that runs our world – and more importantly, what it means to our lives’ David Eagleman, author of ‘Sum: Tales from the Afterlives’ ‘Compelling and entertaining, Algorithms to Live By is packed with practical advice about how to use time, space, and effort more efficiently. And it’s a fascinating exploration of the workings of computer science and the human mind. Whether you want to optimize your to-do list, organize your closet, or understand human memory, this is a great read’ ‘Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit’ ‘A truly beautiful exploration through math, computer science and philosophy of some of the most ordinary, yet most important dilemmas any of us is likely to face. Filled with humour and wisdom, this is a bible with a brain’ Aarathi Prasad

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Book SynopsisThe beautifully illustrated second adventure from cherished friends and Sunday Times bestsellers BIG PANDA AND TINY DRAGON''James has a way to speak to your soul. This book is nothing short of comforting and heartwarming'' VEX KING''While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs'' GUARDIAN''A beautifully illustrated book which draws on tender moments. Exquisite'' DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE__________''We shall go on a journey, across the river . . .''Join Big Panda and Tiny Dragon as they set off on an extraordinary adventure in this companion to the global bestselling phenomenon Big Panda and Tiny Dragon.Although content in their temple high up in the mountains, Tiny Dragon realises that something feels incomplete. So it is that they decide to make a journey together, to new and distant lands.As they encounter dangers and challenges, they learn that everything they need is already inside them and that change, though sometimes scary, is possible and, with patience, can lead to better things.Inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality, the story of these whimsical characters makes the perfect gift for anyone looking for a little hope and comfort.__________''If we have to be lost,'' said Big Panda, ''I am glad it is with you . . .''Trade ReviewJames has a way of speaking to your soul. This book is nothing short of comforting and heartwarming * Vex King *

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

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Book SynopsisAn introduction to Viktor E. Frankl's system of thought, from the author of the iconic Holocaust memoir Man's Search for Meaning.

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Book SynopsisHow to be Idle is Tom Hodgkinson''s brilliant guide to reclaiming your right to be idle''Well written, funny and with a scholarly knowledge of the literature of laziness, it is both a book to be enjoyed at leisure and to change lives'' Sunday TimesAs Oscar Wilde said, doing nothing is hard work. A burn-out work ethic has most of us in its thrall, and the idlers of this world have the odds stacked against them. But here, at last, is a book that can help. Hodgkinson presents us with a laid-back argument for a new contract between routine and chaos, an argument for experiencing life to the full and living in the moment. Ranging across a host of issues that affect the modern idler:-Sleep-Work-Pleasure and hedonism -Relationships-Bohemian living-Revolution Drawing on the writings of such well-known apologists for idleness as Oscar Wilde, Robert Louis Stevenson and Nietzsche, his message is clear: t

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Book SynopsisA Thunk is a beguiling question about everyday things that stops you in your tracks and helps you start to look at the world in a whole new light. The author guides you through the origins and uses of Thunks and demonstrates how this powerful little book can develop philosophical thinking for all ages. Remember there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. How liberating is that?

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