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The Consolations of Philosophy
- Narrated by: Nicholas Bell
- Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins
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The Consolations of Philosophy
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Summary
In ancient Greece or Rome, philosophers were seen as natural authorities on the most pressing questions. However, since then, the idea of finding wisdom from philosophy has come to seem bizarre. Enter a university department today and ask to study wisdom, and you will politely but firmly be shown the door. The Consolations of Philosophy sets out to refute the notion that good philosophy must be irrelevant and gathers together six great philosophers who were convinced of the power of philosophical insight to work a practical effect on our lives.
Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche are studied for the light their work can shine on certain great universal problems - poverty, inadequacy, lovelessness, and so on. They stand as examples of the practical utility of philosophy.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 04-05-23
Relevant and helpful
Taking some old and well quantified arguments of old but made so much simpler and more interesting to apply to daily life.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Craig
- 22-07-21
Only had it two days before finishing
Great collection and explanation of philosophers. I could not stop listening and finished it in less than two days. Thank you! I will be starting it again from the beginning very soon.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- rita
- 27-03-21
Consoling and entertaining
I always love Alain de Botton's books and find them to be full of accessible, well explained wisdom. this book was no exception.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Sage
- 20-05-21
Made me think, laugh and learn
I enjoy anything by Alain de Botton. He's done all the hard work of reading these philosophers, and translates them into brilliant lessons, observations and anecdotes.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Dr
- 19-10-20
Wonderful food for thought
Although not written in the same style as religion for atheists, a book I really enjoyed reading, this is a wonderful book that by telling the life stories of philosophers such as Epicurus, Socrates, Seneca, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche and others explores their ideas about happiness, anger, fear, friendship, freedom, religion, alcohol and many other things.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Moo
- 27-01-21
A bit disappointed
I thought this would be a recipe for a fantastic listen. I have an interest in philosophy, and have enjoyed many of Alain's Ted Talks. Unfortunately I found the whole thing a bit disappointing.
I found the writing style difficult to engage with, and it all just dragged on a bit. It didn't feel like it flowed particularly well.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Barry
- 04-03-15
Hugely entertaining!!
Would recommend to anyone who has an interest in philosophy. The chapters on Montaigne stand out particularly! A great beginners guide!
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7 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- euan
- 14-01-17
Well written and highly enjoyable.
Really good introduction to the core ideas of these philosophers. Perfect for beginners in philosophy.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Kindle Customer
- 21-12-21
really interesting content
I would never have read a book on philosophy, but this book is easy to digest
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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- Alex Mcg
- 19-05-20
Valiant attempt
Rather than a reflection on the book, I've simply come to think that philosophy isn't well adapted for engagement outside the classroom.
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1 person found this helpful