How to Be an Existentialist - by Gary Cox (Paperback)

About the Book

"First published in Great Britain in 2009 by the Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd"--Title page

Book Synopsis

The 10th anniversary edition of a witty classic about the philosophy of existentialism. It is also a genuine self-help book offering clear advice on how to live according to the principles of existentialism formulated by Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, and the other great existentialist philosophers.

An attack on contemporary excuse culture, the book urges us to face the hard existential truths of the human condition. By revealing that we are all inescapably free and responsible - 'condemned to be free, ' as Sartre says - the book aims to empower the reader with a sharp sense that we are each the master of our own destiny. Cox makes fun of the reputation existentialism has for being gloomy and pessimistic, exposing it for what it really is - an honest, uplifting, and potentially life changing philosophy!

This striking 10th anniversary edition with a substantial new preface includes more pointers on how to be a true existentialist, including how to be an existentialist at a time when environmental issues are becoming ever more pressing and our 'post-truth' world increasingly subjects us to the politically polarising power of simplistic social media.

Review Quotes

"Evangelises eloquently for a slightly revised version of Sartrean existentialism, nicely explaining much-worried about notions such as "authenticity" and "bad faith". Thus armed, one may face down absurdity and the inevitability of death in all those locations that irresistibly evoke them." --The Guardian

"An instructive, witty and entertaining guide to existentialism" --Good Book Guide

"Think of it as a serious self-help book for the perplexed ... an absorbing book ... I found it a stimulating read, which forced me to re-think some of my current perceptions." --LeaderValues www.leader-values.com

"According to existentialists, selecting this book is an active choice for which the reader is responsible. Cox, who earned his doctorate in philosophy in the UK writing on Sartre, presents an accessible overview of this philosophical worldview, its path to living an authentic life, and existential counseling (which sounds akin to cognitive behavioral therapy) as a means to this end. The book includes suggested further reading." --Eithne, O'Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc.

"This is a good introduction for anyone interested in studying the philosophy of existentialism, and as a "handbook", it highlights the importance of personal freedoms, responsibility and the importance of making, and accepting, clear choices, whether they turn out to be right or wrong." --The House Partnership

"I have recommended How to be an Existentialist to many people and all have gained a clearer understanding of Sartre than they had before... Cox has achieved something extremely impressive here. He has written something short and simple while not losing any of the depth and subtlety." --Existential Analysis

"... Cox does a good job of explaining... abstruse ideas in language accessible to non-philosophers... [he] has produced a fine book that can be highly recommended. http: //www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/113984" --Morning Star

About the Author

Gary Cox has a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham, UK, where he is also an Honorary Research Fellow. He is author of How to Be a Philosopher (2010), The God Confusion (2014), Deep Thought (2015), a biography of Sartre, Existentialism and Excess (2016) and Cricket Ball: The Heart of the Game (2018)- all published by Bloomsbury.