The Great Guide - by Julian Baggini

Book Synopsis

Invaluable wisdom on living a good life from one of the Enlightenment's greatest philosophers

David Hume (1711-1776) is perhaps best known for his ideas about cause and effect and his criticisms of religion, but he is rarely thought of as a philosopher with practical wisdom to offer. Yet Hume's philosophy is grounded in an honest assessment of nature--human nature in particular. The Great Guide is an engaging and eye-opening account of how Hume's thought should serve as the basis for a complete approach to life.

In this enthralling book, Julian Baggini masterfully interweaves biography with intellectual history and philosophy to give us a complete vision of Hume's guide to life. He follows Hume on his life's journey, literally walking in the great philosopher's footsteps as Baggini takes readers to the places that inspired Hume the most, from his family estate near the Scottish border to Paris, where, as an older man, he was warmly embraced by French society. Baggini shows how Hume put his philosophy into practice in a life that blended reason and passion, study and leisure, and relaxation and enjoyment.

The Great Guide includes 145 Humean maxims for living well, on topics ranging from the meaning of success and the value of travel to friendship, facing death, identity, and the importance of leisure. This book shows how life is far richer with Hume as your guide.

Review Quotes

"This book offers a readable, engaging, and enjoyable account of David Hume as a man, and as a philosopher."---Ralph McLean, Edinburgh Bibliographical Society Journal

"Baggini traces Hume's movements while exploring the evolution of his ideas. Hume had a profound impact on the history of philosophy. . . .But Hume's more technical ideas about cause and effect isn't the big takeaway from Baggini's book, at least not for people who believe philosophy really is about virtue. Hume's often contrarian ideas, his commitment to question everything, serves as an inspiration for living well. . . .What more could you want from a philosopher?"---Steven Gambardella, Sophist

"The Great Guide is an excellent introduction to Hume. The biographical travelogue lends reality to Hume as a person. The discussions of Hume's major views are clear and careful. Hopefully the book will increase interest in Hume both inside and outside the academy."---Daniel E. Flage, European Legacy

"

As we travel around with Hume, Baggini provides his readers with a steady commentary and description of his subject's various friendships and controversies, along with brief sketches of Hume's core ideas and contributions. All this is lively and engaging.

"---Paul Russell, Times Literary Supplement

"A bright, engaging, reliable introduction to Hume's life and work."---Kieran Setiya, Los Angeles Review of Books

"Baggini knows his subject thoroughly, explains his work in clear prose and adds biographical detail which is as illuminating as it is interesting."---Alan Dent, The Penniless Press

"Baggini's intertwining of philosophy with biography is masterly."---Jane O'Grady, Literary Review

"Entertaining and informative. . . .an imaginative glimpse of Hume living his life and doing his work."---Janna Thompson, Inside Story

"I've thoroughly enjoyed Julian Baggini's The Great Guide: What David Hume Can Teach Us about Being Human and Living Well."---Diane Coyle, The Enlightened Economist

"In this book the author skilfully weaves together biography with intellectual history and philosophy to provide a highly readable account of Hume's guide to life"---David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer

About the Author

Julian Baggini is an independent scholar, philosopher, and writer. He was the founding editor of The Philosophers' Magazine and is the author of many books, including How the World Thinks: A Global History of Philosophy and The Edge of Reason: A Rational Skeptic in an Irrational World. Website julianbaggini.com Twitter @JulianBaggini