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Life Is Short

An Appropriately Brief Guide to Making It More Meaningful

Dean Rickles author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Princeton University Press

Publishing:14th Jan '25

£14.99

This title is due to be published on 14th January, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Life Is Short cover

This insightful book explores how the shortness of life enhances its meaning, encouraging readers to embrace mortality and make deliberate choices.

In Life Is Short, Dean Rickles presents a thought-provoking exploration of how the brevity of life contributes to its meaning. He argues that death, often viewed as a hindrance to a meaningful existence, is actually the ultimate catalyst for making our actions significant. Without the constraints imposed by mortality, our choices would lack weight and purpose, much like a game of tennis without a net. This book encourages readers to embrace the limitations of life, suggesting that it is precisely these limitations that compel us to make choices that define our existence.

Rickles delves into the common human tendency to remain indecisive, often in an attempt to keep options open for the future. He posits that this mindset can lead to a life unfulfilled, as individuals may fail to commit to the present or invest the necessary effort to achieve their goals. Life Is Short serves as a guide to recognizing the pitfalls of this provisional living and offers strategies to help readers avoid such traps. By making deliberate choices and embracing the present, one can cultivate a life rich with meaning.

Ultimately, Life Is Short challenges us to appreciate the extraordinary nature of our existence and rethink what truly gives life its significance. It encourages a proactive approach to living, urging us to maximize our time and make the most of the moments we have. Through this lens, Rickles provides a fresh perspective on the relationship between mortality and meaning, making a compelling case for why life's fleeting nature is, in fact, a profound gift.

"A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year"
"Illuminating. . . . Rickles aims to provide a panacea for those facing death anxiety. . . . Bound to be ameliorative for any member of the human species."---Skye C. Cleary, Times Literary Supplement
"Rickles, a philosophy of modern physics professor at the University of Sydney, investigates how to live a meaningful life in this charming and profound outing. . . . This brief volume packs a punch." * Publishers Weekly *
"A meditative gem that is as intellectually astute as it is accessible. Readers will find much to help them in their efforts to live more mindfully—and with significantly greater appreciation." * Shelf Awareness starred review *
"Engaging."---David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer
"A sophisticated yet accessible reflection on how the reality of death makes human choices meaningful." * Choice Reviews *

ISBN: 9780691240619

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

136 pages