A Brief History of Thought - (Learning to Live) by Luc Ferry (Paperback)

About the Book

Here, in the most lively and enlightening pop-philosophy book in years, Ferry brilliantly surveys Western thought to teach readers how to live a more meaningful life. "A Brief History of Thought" is already a major international sensation that spent 42 weeks on the bestseller lists in France.

Book 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.

From the Back Cover

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.

Review Quotes

"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." - Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein, New York Times bestselling authors of Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar
"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. In this book the fundamental alternatives come into view in the epochal quarrels of Western thought. But Ferry does not offer a slack pluralism, or complacent synthesis. Rather, he invites us to enter into those quarrels. In doing so, the reader finds her own experience clarified, and her horizon enlarged." - Matthew B. Crawford, New York Times bestselling author of Shop Class as Soulcraft
"Inspired . . . Ferry enriches his discussion in a manner that speaks well to educated lay readers." - Library Journal
"This scintillating pop-philosophy survey brushes off the cobwebs and gives philosophy compelling immediacy...Neophytes and scholars alike will find in this superb primer proof that philosophy belongs at the center of life." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"An engaging, accessible work... strong evidence for an important conception of philosophy's enduring relevance." - Journal of French and Francophone Philosophy
"Lucid and accessible ... Ferry defends human dignity against post-modern doubt ... a serious thinker" - ROBERT ROYAL, First Things
"Ferry's openness, energy, and charm as a teacher burst through on every page. However difficult the questions he poses, his eagerness to find answers, to justify philosophy as a way of life, is infectious." - Wall Street Journal
"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
"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, New York Times bestselling authors of Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar
"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, New York Times bestselling author of Shop Class as Soulcraft
"A philosophical survival kit, in which the reader will find brilliant ideas to help them think better and live better." - L'EXPRESS
"This superb primer proves that philosophy belongs at the center of life." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"No dry academic, Ferry restores to philosophy a compelling urgency." - Booklist (starred review)
"One of the best books that has come across my desk over the last year. . . . Readers who don't know much about philosophy will find this book accessible; and those who do will find its approach fresh and stimulating." - First Things