Description

Book Synopsis
NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORKER AND THE ECONOMIST

“Life Is Hard is a humane consolation for challenging times. Reading it is like speaking with a thoughtful friend who never tells you to cheer up, but, by offering gentle companionship and a change of perspective, makes you feel better anyway.” —The New York Times Book Review

There is no cure for the human condition: life is hard. But Kieran Setiya believes philosophy can help. He offers us a map for navigating rough terrain, from personal trauma to the injustice and absurdity of the world. 

In this profound and personal book, Setiya shows how the tools of philosophy can help us find our way. Drawing on ancient and modern philosophy as well as fiction, history, memoir, film, comedy, social science, and stories from Setiya’s own experience, Life Is Hard is a book for this moment—a work of solace and compassion

Life Is Hard

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    A Paperback / softback by Kieran Setiya

    £16.20

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    RRP £18.00 – you save £1.80 (10%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Thu 5 Nov 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc
      Published 3 October 2023
      ISBN-13 9780593538227
      978-0593538227
      ISBN-10 0593538226
      Also in:
      Ethics and moral philosophy Philosophy of mind

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORKER AND THE ECONOMIST

      “Life Is Hard is a humane consolation for challenging times. Reading it is like speaking with a thoughtful friend who never tells you to cheer up, but, by offering gentle companionship and a change of perspective, makes you feel better anyway.” —The New York Times Book Review

      There is no cure for the human condition: life is hard. But Kieran Setiya believes philosophy can help. He offers us a map for navigating rough terrain, from personal trauma to the injustice and absurdity of the world. 

      In this profound and personal book, Setiya shows how the tools of philosophy can help us find our way. Drawing on ancient and modern philosophy as well as fiction, history, memoir, film, comedy, social science, and stories from Setiya’s own experience, Life Is Hard is a book for this moment—a work of solace and compassion

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