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How To Be Good

What Socrates Can Teach Us About the Art of Living Well

Massimo Pigliucci author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:John Murray Press

Published:29th Sep '22

Should be back in stock very soon

How To Be Good cover

This thought-provoking book explores whether we can teach ourselves and others to be better people, using philosophical insights and historical examples.

In How To Be Good, the author delves into the timeless question of whether it is possible for individuals to improve themselves and help others do the same. This inquiry has persisted for over two thousand years, highlighting the ongoing struggle of humanity to not only thrive economically but also to flourish spiritually. The narrative draws on the philosophical teachings of Socrates and Alcibiades, weaving in insights from renowned thinkers such as Aristotle, Marcus Aurelius, and Machiavelli, to shed light on the quest for virtue in contemporary society.

The book emphasizes that the journey toward becoming better people is not reserved for the elite or the philosophers of the past; rather, it is a pursuit accessible to everyone. By examining historical examples and modern interpretations, the author encourages readers to engage in daily practices that foster personal growth and ethical living. The message is clear: with consistent effort, individuals can cultivate the art of living well.

Ultimately, How To Be Good serves as both a philosophical exploration and a practical guide. It challenges readers to reflect on their values and actions, urging them to consider how they can contribute to a more just and compassionate world. This engaging work is a call to action for anyone seeking to enhance their moral character and influence the lives of others positively.

Presents a rigorous theoretical foundation for ethical self-improvement with concrete steps-even a step-by-step syllabus!-for how we can become better people, how we can help others to do the same, and how we might influence our leaders and politicians to act virtuously. If only those in power would grab hold of this literary lifeline and take heed of Pigliucci's wisdom, humanity might just have a chance to flourish economically, materially, and spiritually -- Skye Cleary, author of 'How to Be Authentic'
Massimo Pigliucci, who has elsewhere taught us to take seriously the precepts of ancient Stoicism, here looks further afield, above all to Plato, for insight into how we become virtuous people - or, too often, fail to. His expert account of ancient ethics will help us save our souls, and thereby, just maybe, save the world -- James Romm, author of 'The Sacred Band'
With a deft but magically light hand, Pigliucci turns to case studies from Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Seneca and more to pose the most pressing question of our time: how do we put competent and wise leaders in office? A wonderful raconteur, Pigliucci brings the historical and philosophical texts of Greco-Roman antiquity to life with lessons about good character and leadership, whether we aspire to political office or not -- Nancy Sherman, author of 'Stoic Wisdom'
It's not often that a book ostensibly about Socrates also comments knowledgeably on (Roman) Coriolanus and (Florentine) Machiavelli, but such is the breadth of learning of geneticist, biologist and philosopher Massimo Pigliucci (of New York's City College). Truly, as Plato's Socrates boldly declared, the examined life is for us humans the only one -- Paul Cartledge, A.G. Leventis Professor of Greek Culture, emeritus, University of Cambridge
[An] enlightening study . . . This lucid and accessible tour through ancient philosophy offers valuable lessons for today -- Publishers Weekly
One of the world's most renowned philosophers has found the secret to living a better life -- The Herald

ISBN: 9781399804936

Dimensions: 236mm x 158mm x 30mm

Weight: 460g

272 pages