Aristotle's Way: How Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life
Product ID: 106318475
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From renowned classicist Edith Hall, ARISTOTLE'S WAY is an examination of one of history's greatest philosophers, showing us how to lead happy, fulfilled, and meaningful lives Aristotle was the first philosopher to inquire into subjective happiness, and he understood its essence better and more clearly than anyone since. According to Aristotle, happiness is not about well-being, but instead a lasting state of contentment, which should be the ultimate goal of human life. We become happy through finding a purpose, realizing our potential, and modifying our behavior to become the best version of ourselves. With these objectives in mind, Aristotle developed a humane program for becoming a happy person, which has stood the test of time, comprising much of what today we associate with the good life: meaning, creativity, and positivity. Most importantly, Aristotle understood happiness as available to the vast majority us, but only, crucially, if we decide to apply ourselves to its creation--and he led by example. As Hall writes, "If you believe that the goal of human life is to maximize happiness, then you are a budding Aristotelian." In expert yet vibrant modern language, Hall lays out the crux of Aristotle's thinking, mixing affecting autobiographical anecdotes with a deep wealth of classical learning. For Hall, whose own life has been greatly improved by her understanding of Aristotle, this is an intensely personal subject. She distills his ancient wisdom into ten practical and universal lessons to help us confront life's difficult and crucial moments, summarizing a lifetime of the most rarefied and brilliant scholarship. Review: Is the Aristotle Mean for Meanies? - An excellent book, but a think piece, that requires frequent pauses to reflect and absorb what has just been written. This is a review of the principal thoughts of Aristotle, recapitulated for modern times. The principals of Aristotle's Rhetoric, for example, are shown how they are applied for an effective job resume, cover letter and interview for college professors. Also, the section on "Decisions" shows how applying Aristotle's logic in decision making is helpful in everyday decisions today. This chapter also shows how far modern education has strayed from teaching logical skills and good decision making skills in classrooms. Although the book is too short to review all the books and writings of Aristotle, the author gives a good overview and presents the subjects well. A good read for rainy days by the fireplace, I recommend this for school and public libraries and personal collections. It is also a book to keep and re-read in a few years. Review: It’s Aristotle in readable form - I am always grateful to Edith Hall for her simplifying, and making available, the depth of the ancient Greek mind. My shallow, western mind benefits, and I appreciate the humanity that she shows from Aristotle‘s point of view. He talks about small things, routines, and habits, and he really thinks of friendship and other relationships as key to happiness. Much to learn and well written of course. Bless your dedication!
| Best Sellers Rank | #71,927 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #5 in Philosopher Biographies #7 in Individual Philosophers (Books) #28 in Ancient Greek & Roman Philosophy |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 549 Reviews |
R**N
Is the Aristotle Mean for Meanies?
An excellent book, but a think piece, that requires frequent pauses to reflect and absorb what has just been written. This is a review of the principal thoughts of Aristotle, recapitulated for modern times. The principals of Aristotle's Rhetoric, for example, are shown how they are applied for an effective job resume, cover letter and interview for college professors. Also, the section on "Decisions" shows how applying Aristotle's logic in decision making is helpful in everyday decisions today. This chapter also shows how far modern education has strayed from teaching logical skills and good decision making skills in classrooms. Although the book is too short to review all the books and writings of Aristotle, the author gives a good overview and presents the subjects well. A good read for rainy days by the fireplace, I recommend this for school and public libraries and personal collections. It is also a book to keep and re-read in a few years.
C**W
It’s Aristotle in readable form
I am always grateful to Edith Hall for her simplifying, and making available, the depth of the ancient Greek mind. My shallow, western mind benefits, and I appreciate the humanity that she shows from Aristotle‘s point of view. He talks about small things, routines, and habits, and he really thinks of friendship and other relationships as key to happiness. Much to learn and well written of course. Bless your dedication!
J**X
Good Primer on Aristotle
All in all an informative and thoughtful read on Aristotle's life & writings. Just when I was ready for another chapter or two it just ended. If anything it's a good primer for getting into Aristotle's rational and very practical way of understanding the natural world.
P**.
Enjoyable Read
This book helped me apply Aristotle's thought to our present day. Generally made me feel better about life. Thank you for this book!
S**N
Its Okay.
It covers a lot of good information and provides some good perspective on Aristotle's work, but it is not very creatively or well written, and honestly, kind of boring. I was looking for a book I could give my nieces to teach them about Nicomachaen Ethics in a simpler and more accessible package. This book is very close, but the author's writing style seems to jump from topic to topic in a way that and leaves me feeling like there is missing information somewhere in the process. Overall I don't regret reading or purchasing the book, It's just not exactly what I was hoping for.
W**Y
Happiness !!!
This is an excellent intro to the wonderful mind of Aristotle. It even contains an intro to logic and the syllogism. Most importantly, however, an explanation of happiness.
M**E
Knowledge
Excellent book. Extremely well written by a knowledgeable and talented writer
A**R
His wisdom is a gift to all mankind.II
I am only sorry that, I missed reading when I was young, yet the benefits I received reading it now it riches my mind, which is Never Too Late.
F**.
Comentario
Excelente!
J**E
etonant
Quantas pessoas tentaram ter uma vida de virtudes ficando longe do vício de uma maneira totalmente original. A única a manter-se originalmente autêntica continua sendo a dos velhos conselheiros de outrora. Não admira que a cultura grega foi a única no mundo durante um tempo precioso da história da cultura ocidental.
L**Y
Great philosophy on life
An inspiring and encouraging read. I've been able to use some of the philosophies to stop a 35+ year smoking addiction. I did not expect that. Put Helen on the ship and send her away.
A**I
Aristotle's Way
Excellent, easy reading
R**S
The book title delivers its claim
Fresh and clear writing brings the man called Aristotle who lived 2370 odd years ago to vivid life. I am now retired and living on Lesvos so I am especially keen to discover all I can about this very special man as I am living on “his” island.
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