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The Best Things in Life
Book

The Best Things in Life

A Guide to What Really Matters

Oxford UP, 2010 更多详情


Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Eye Opening

Recommendation

Professor of philosophy Thomas Hurka ponders what makes a good life. He writes simply, explaining philosophical concepts with understandable examples: Chocolate and sex, for instance, are good. Hurka layers his concepts, one upon another, weaving a modern and interesting – if not necessarily compelling to the reader who is not philosophically minded – report on what comprises a good life. More practical readers might prefer tips or parameters, but this isn’t a self-help guide. It’s more of a discussion, with points to consider and directions for reaching your own conclusions. Hurka’s ability to cite Kant, Socrates and other philosophical giants without getting bogged down helps readers consider theories they might find otherwise inaccessible. getAbstract suggests this book to managers, executives, entrepreneurs and armchair philosophers seeking gentle guidance toward a more rewarding life.

Take-Aways

  • Reflecting on essential good and evil aids decision making.
  • Pleasure, one of the key “goods” in life, comes in many forms and intensities.
  • Reaching for happiness directly probably won’t bring results; try a roundabout approach.

About the Author

Thomas Hurka teaches ethics and philosophy at the University of Toronto, where he holds a chair in Philosophical Studies. His other books include Perfectionism; Virtue, Vice, and Value; and Principles: Short Essays on Ethics.


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