Synopses & Reviews
French superstar philosopher Luc Ferry encapsulates an enlightening treatise of pop-philosophy in a lively narrative of Western thought—explaining how the history of philosophy can teach us how to live better lives today. This blockbuster better living guide has already sold nearly a half a million copies in Europe; now it is available worldwide in an exciting, highly readable translation: A Brief History of Thought. Thomas Cathcut & Daniel Klein, authors of Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar, call Ferrys thrilling opus “a fine introduction to philosophy and its fundamental relevance to living a meaningful life—for everyone from the man in the Acropolis to the man in the street.”
Review
"For everyone from the man in the street to the man in the Acropolis -- A fine introduction to philosophy and its fundamental relevance to living a meaningful life." Thomas Cathcut and Daniel Klein New York Times bestselling authors of Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar
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“This is a vital book. Luc Ferry rehabilitates the ancient question, ‘What is the best way of life? as though our lives depended on it. ... The reader will find her own experience clarified, and her horizon enlarged.” MATTHEW B. CRAWFORD, < i=""> New York Times <> bestselling author of < i=""> Shop Class as Soulcraft <>
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"A philosophical survival kit, in which the reader will find brilliant ideas to help them think better and live better." L'Express
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"No dry academic, Ferry restores to philosophy a compelling urgency." Booklist (Starred Review)
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“This superb primer proves that philosophy belongs at the center of life.” PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)
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“One of the best books that has come across my desk over the last year. … Readers who dont know much about philosophy will find this book accessible; and those who do will find its approach fresh and stimulating.” First Things
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“An engaging, accessible work... strong evidence for an important conception of philosophys enduring relevance.” Journal of French and Francophone Philosophy
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“Lucid and accessible … Ferry defends human dignity against post-modern doubt … a serious thinker” ROBERT ROYAL, < i=""> First Things <>
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“For everyone from the man in the street to the man in the Acropolis--A fine introduction to philosophy and its fundamental relevance to living a meaningful life.” THOMAS CATHCART and DANIEL KLEIN, < i=""> New York Times <> bestselling authors of < i=""> Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar <>
Synopsis
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Eight months on the bestseller lists in France
From the timeless wisdom of the ancient Greeks to Christianity, the Enlightenment, existentialism, and postmodernism, Luc Ferry s instant classic brilliantly and accessibly explains the enduring teachings of philosophy including its profound relevance to modern daily life and its essential role in achieving happiness and living a meaningful life. This lively journey through the great thinkers will enlighten every reader, young and old.
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Synopsis
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
"Ferry's openness, energy, and charm as a teacher burst through on every page." --Wall Street Journal
From the timeless wisdom of the ancient Greeks to Christianity, the Enlightenment, existentialism, and postmodernism, Luc Ferry's instant classic brilliantly and accessibly explains the enduring teachings of philosophy--including its profound relevance to modern daily life and its essential role in achieving happiness and living a meaningful life. This lively journey through the great thinkers will enlighten every reader, young and old.
Synopsis
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
The most succinct and accessible overview of philosophy I have come across, and perfect for anyone who wants to dip their toe into the waters of philosophy without drowning in intimidating prose. ―Matt Haig, Washington Post
From the timeless wisdom of the ancient Greeks to Christianity, the Enlightenment, existentialism, and postmodernism, Luc Ferry's instant classic brilliantly and accessibly explains the enduring teachings of philosophy--including its profound relevance to modern daily life and its essential role in achieving happiness and living a meaningful life. This lively journey through the great thinkers will enlighten every reader, young and old.
Synopsis
From the timeless wisdom of the ancient Greeks to Christianity, the Enlightenment, existentialism, and postmodernism, Luc Ferrys instant classic brilliantly and accessibly explains the enduring teachings of philosophyincluding its profound relevance to modern daily life and its essential role in achieving happiness and living a meaningful life. This lively journey through the great thinkers will enlighten every reader, young and old.
About the Author
Luc Ferry is a philosopher and the author of the national bestseller A Brief History of Thought. From 2002 to 2004 he served as France's minister of national education. He has been awarded the Prix Médicis, Prix Jean-Jacques-Rousseau, and Prix Aujourd'hui, in addition to being an officer of the French Legion of Honor and a knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. He lives in Paris.