Listen free for 30 days
-
Philosophy for Life
- And Other Dangerous Situations
- Narrated by: John Voce
- Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Politics & Social Sciences, Philosophy
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £27.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Think like a Stoic
- Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World
- By: Massimo Pigliucci, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Massimo Pigliucci
- Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Distilled to its essence, the ancient Greco-Roman philosophy known as Stoicism is a philosophy of personal betterment. Professor Pigliucci, who knows firsthand just how transformative a Stoic approach to life can be, has designed these 25 lessons as an enlightening introduction to the basics of Stoic philosophy and ways to incorporate its lessons into your own life.
-
-
My favourite audiobook
- By Daniel O'Connor on 16-01-22
-
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
- By: Donald J. Robertson
- Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the final famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves stories of Marcus’ life from the Roman histories together with explanations of Stoicism - its philosophy and its psychology - to enlighten today’s listeners. He discusses Stoic techniques for coping with problems such as irrational fears, bad habits, anger, pain, and illness.
-
-
This book got me through a difficult time.
- By Anonymous User on 17-04-19
-
How to Live a Good Life
- A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy
- By: Massimo Pigliucci - editor, Skye Cleary - editor, Daniel Kaufman - editor
- Narrated by: Massimo Pigliucci, Skye Cleary, Susan Denaker, and others
- Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This thought-provoking, wide-ranging collection brings together essays by 15 leading philosophers reflecting on what it means to live according to a philosophy of life. From Eastern philosophies (Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism) and classical Western philosophies (such as Aristotelianism and Stoicism), to the four major religions, as well as contemporary philosophies (such as existentialism and effective altruism), each contributor offers a lively, personal account of how they find meaning in the practice of their chosen philosophical tradition.
-
-
loved it
- By Steve on 30-01-21
-
Lessons in Stoicism
- What Ancient Philosophers Teach Us About How to Live
- By: John Sellars
- Narrated by: Rupert Farley
- Length: 1 hr and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Lessons in Stoicism, philosopher John Sellars weaves together the key ideas of the three great Roman Stoics - Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius - with snapshots of their fascinating lives, to show us how their ideas can help us today. In vivid prose, Sellars shows how the works of these three Stoics have inspired people ever since, speaking as they do to some of the perennial issues that face anyone trying to navigate their way through life.
-
-
Helpful and inspiring
- By ruralidyll on 28-01-20
-
How to Be a Stoic
- Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
- By: Massimo Pigliucci
- Narrated by: Peter Coleman
- Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Stoicism teaches us to acknowledge our emotions, reflect on what causes them and redirect them for our own good. Whenever we worry about how to be happy, we are worrying about how to lead a good life. No goal seems more elusive. Massimo Pigliucci explores this remarkable philosophy and how its wisdom can be applied to our everyday lives in the quest for meaning. He shows how Stoicism teaches us the importance of a person's character, integrity and compassion.
-
-
a very useful introduction to a worthwhile subject
- By greg Stevens on 13-11-20
-
The Little Book of Stoicism: Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness
- By: Jonas Salzgeber
- Narrated by: David Angelo
- Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Where can you find joy? Gain strength? How should we face our fears? Deal with the death of a loved one? And what about those reoccurring depressing thoughts? While traditional schooling doesn’t address such questions, it’s exactly what ancient schools of philosophy were all about: They taught you how to live. Even though these schools don’t exist anymore, you and I and most people are in as much need of a philosophy that guides us through life as we ever were. This compelling, highly actionable guide shows you how to deal more effectively with whatever life throws at you.
-
-
The narrator will drive you mad!
- By Nicky h. on 22-02-20
-
Think like a Stoic
- Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World
- By: Massimo Pigliucci, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Massimo Pigliucci
- Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Distilled to its essence, the ancient Greco-Roman philosophy known as Stoicism is a philosophy of personal betterment. Professor Pigliucci, who knows firsthand just how transformative a Stoic approach to life can be, has designed these 25 lessons as an enlightening introduction to the basics of Stoic philosophy and ways to incorporate its lessons into your own life.
-
-
My favourite audiobook
- By Daniel O'Connor on 16-01-22
-
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
- By: Donald J. Robertson
- Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the final famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves stories of Marcus’ life from the Roman histories together with explanations of Stoicism - its philosophy and its psychology - to enlighten today’s listeners. He discusses Stoic techniques for coping with problems such as irrational fears, bad habits, anger, pain, and illness.
-
-
This book got me through a difficult time.
- By Anonymous User on 17-04-19
-
How to Live a Good Life
- A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy
- By: Massimo Pigliucci - editor, Skye Cleary - editor, Daniel Kaufman - editor
- Narrated by: Massimo Pigliucci, Skye Cleary, Susan Denaker, and others
- Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This thought-provoking, wide-ranging collection brings together essays by 15 leading philosophers reflecting on what it means to live according to a philosophy of life. From Eastern philosophies (Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism) and classical Western philosophies (such as Aristotelianism and Stoicism), to the four major religions, as well as contemporary philosophies (such as existentialism and effective altruism), each contributor offers a lively, personal account of how they find meaning in the practice of their chosen philosophical tradition.
-
-
loved it
- By Steve on 30-01-21
-
Lessons in Stoicism
- What Ancient Philosophers Teach Us About How to Live
- By: John Sellars
- Narrated by: Rupert Farley
- Length: 1 hr and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Lessons in Stoicism, philosopher John Sellars weaves together the key ideas of the three great Roman Stoics - Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius - with snapshots of their fascinating lives, to show us how their ideas can help us today. In vivid prose, Sellars shows how the works of these three Stoics have inspired people ever since, speaking as they do to some of the perennial issues that face anyone trying to navigate their way through life.
-
-
Helpful and inspiring
- By ruralidyll on 28-01-20
-
How to Be a Stoic
- Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
- By: Massimo Pigliucci
- Narrated by: Peter Coleman
- Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Stoicism teaches us to acknowledge our emotions, reflect on what causes them and redirect them for our own good. Whenever we worry about how to be happy, we are worrying about how to lead a good life. No goal seems more elusive. Massimo Pigliucci explores this remarkable philosophy and how its wisdom can be applied to our everyday lives in the quest for meaning. He shows how Stoicism teaches us the importance of a person's character, integrity and compassion.
-
-
a very useful introduction to a worthwhile subject
- By greg Stevens on 13-11-20
-
The Little Book of Stoicism: Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness
- By: Jonas Salzgeber
- Narrated by: David Angelo
- Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Where can you find joy? Gain strength? How should we face our fears? Deal with the death of a loved one? And what about those reoccurring depressing thoughts? While traditional schooling doesn’t address such questions, it’s exactly what ancient schools of philosophy were all about: They taught you how to live. Even though these schools don’t exist anymore, you and I and most people are in as much need of a philosophy that guides us through life as we ever were. This compelling, highly actionable guide shows you how to deal more effectively with whatever life throws at you.
-
-
The narrator will drive you mad!
- By Nicky h. on 22-02-20
-
A Guide to the Good Life
- The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
- By: William B. Irvine
- Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
- Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the great fears many of us face is that despite all our effort and striving, we will discover at the end that we have wasted our life. In A Guide to the Good Life, William B. Irvine plumbs the wisdom of Stoic philosophy, one of the most popular and successful schools of thought in ancient Rome, and shows how its insight and advice are still remarkably applicable to modern lives. In A Guide to the Good Life, Irvine offers a refreshing presentation of Stoicism, showing how this ancient philosophy can still direct us toward a better life.
-
-
To the non-stoic reviewers...
- By Anonymous User on 20-01-20
-
Live Like a Stoic
- 52 Exercises for Cultivating a Good Life
- By: Gregory Lopez, Massimo Pigliucci
- Narrated by: Rupert Farley
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The answers to our daily worries and anxieties - big or small - lie at the heart of Stoic philosophy. Live Like a Stoic is the essential guide to help us live the good life. It offers a yearlong programme of 52 weekly exercises aimed at mastering an array of real-life troubles. Full of practical lessons and sections for journaling, it provides all the tools needed to overcome any life obstacles we might face.
-
-
Great introduction and resource
- By LC on 10-08-20
-
The Enchiridion & Discourses
- By: Epictetus
- Narrated by: Haward B. Morse
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Enchiridion is the famous manual of ethical advice given in the second century by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Born to a Greek slave, Epictetus grew up in the environment of the Roman Empire and, having been released from bonds of slavery, became a stoic in the tradition of its originators, Zeno (third Century BCE) and Seneca (first century CE).
-
-
Eternal wisdom, exciting performance
- By Amazon Customer on 14-01-18
-
The Sweet Spot
- Suffering, Pleasure and the Key to a Good Life
- By: Paul Bloom
- Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins
- Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It seems obvious that pleasure leads to happiness - and pain does the opposite. And yet we are irresistibly drawn to a host of experiences that truly hurt, from the exhilarating fear of horror movies or extreme sport, to the wrenching sadness of a song or novel, to the gruelling challenges of exercise, work, creativity and having a family. In The Sweet Spot, pre-eminent psychologist Paul Bloom explores the pleasures of suffering and explains why the activities that provide most satisfaction are often the ones that involve greatest sacrifice.
-
-
Highly recommended!
- By Anonymous User on 17-03-22
-
Stoic Wisdom
- Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience
- By: Nancy Sherman
- Narrated by: Pam Ward
- Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Drawing on the wisdom of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and others, Nancy Sherman's Stoic Wisdom presents a compelling modern Stoicism that teaches grit, resilience, and the importance of close relationships in addressing life's biggest and smallest challenges.
-
On Tyranny and On Ukraine
- Lessons from Russia's War on Ukraine
- By: Timothy Snyder
- Narrated by: Timothy Snyder
- Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this exclusive audiobook edition, which includes eight hours of new content, Timothy Snyder combines the original On Tyranny (2017)—20 lessons on how history can instruct our response to the rise of tyranny around the world today—with 20 new lessons that answer the questions everyone is asking about Russia's war on Ukraine. With forays into history, he clarifies the causes of the Russian invasion and the meaning of Ukrainian resistance, and explains the war's connections to threats to democracy around the world.
-
-
New Thinking about the war in Ukraine
- By W J Smith-Bowers on 22-05-22
-
A Book of Secrets
- Finding Solace in a Stubborn World
- By: Derren Brown
- Narrated by: Derren Brown
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this thoughtful and brilliant new book, the internationally best-selling author of Happy considers the value of friction in our lives. In chapters revealing his own moments of anger and prejudice, anxiety and shyness, loneliness and loss, Derren Brown examines the means to a more rewarding life, be it saving yourself from small talk or navigating middle age.
-
-
What is he on about?
- By Francesca on 06-10-21
-
Breakfast with Seneca
- A Stoic Guide to the Art of Living
- By: David Fideler
- Narrated by: Paul Heitsch
- Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Breakfast with Seneca, philosopher David Fideler mines Seneca's classic works in a series of focused chapters, clearly explaining Seneca's ideas without oversimplifying them. Best enjoyed as a daily ritual, like an energizing cup of coffee, Seneca's wisdom provides us with a steady stream of time-tested advice about the human condition - which, as it turns out, hasn't changed much over the past 2,000 years.
-
The Book of Minds
- How to Understand Ourselves and Other Beings, from Animals to Aliens
- By: Philip Ball
- Narrated by: Philip Ball
- Length: 16 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Understanding the human mind and how it relates to the world of experience has challenged scientists and philosophers for centuries. How do we even begin to think about ‘minds’ that are not human? That is the question explored in this ground-breaking book. Award-winning science writer Philip Ball argues that in order to understand our own minds and imagine those of others, we need to move on from considering the human mind as a standard against which all others should be measured.
-
Four Thousand Weeks
- Embrace Your Limits. Change Your Life.
- By: Oliver Burkeman
- Narrated by: Oliver Burkeman
- Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nobody needs telling that there isn't enough time. We're obsessed by our lengthening to-do lists, our overfilled inboxes, the struggle against distraction and the sense that our attention spans are shrivelling. Yet we rarely make the conscious connection that these problems only trouble us in the first place, thanks to the ultimate time-management problem: the challenge of how best to use our 4,000 weeks. Four Thousand Weeks is an uplifting, engrossing and deeply realistic exploration of this problem.
-
-
Hard work
- By JC on 14-11-21
-
The School of Life
- An Emotional Education
- By: Alain De Botton, The School of Life
- Narrated by: Alain de Botton, Charlie Anson
- Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is an audiobook about everything you were never taught at school. It's about how to understand your emotions, find and sustain love, succeed in your career, fail well and overcome shame and guilt. It's also about letting go of the myth of a perfect life in order to achieve genuine emotional maturity. Written in a hugely accessible, warm and humane style, The School of Life is the ultimate guide to the emotionally fulfilled lives we all long for - and deserve.
-
-
More Alain needed....
- By Amazon Customer on 15-10-19
-
Dancing with Wisdom
- A Sacred Quest to Restore Meaning, Purpose and Fun to Your Life and Work
- By: Sunil Raheja
- Narrated by: Dr. Sunil K. Raheja
- Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What is wisdom? What does that word even mean? How can we implement wisdom in our every day lives? Psychiatrist and executive coach Dr. Sunil takes you on a transformational and sacred quest to experience meaning, purpose and fun in both your life and work. Never before have we had access to such stunning technological advances or timesaving tools - yet we are still exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated and empty.
-
-
Provides an opportunity for deep self reflection
- By Tessa on 29-04-21
Summary
In his engaging audiobook, Jules Evans explains how ancient philosophy saved his life and how we can all use it to become happier, wiser and more resilient.
Jules imagines a dream school, which includes 12 of the greatest and most colourful thinkers the world has ever known.
Each of these ancient philosophers teaches a technique we can use to transform ourselves and live better lives. These practical techniques are illustrated by the extraordinary stories of real people who are using them today - from marines to magicians, from astronauts to anarchists and from CBT psychologists to soldiers. Jules also explores how ancient philosophy is inspiring modern communities - Socratic cafes, Stoic armies, Platonic sects, Sceptic summer camps - and even whole nations in their quest for the good life.
Critic reviews
"Instructive and thought-provoking...shows philosophy is not just for stuffy classrooms." (Financial Times)
"This wonderful book shows how modern psychology is consistent with the best that was thought and known in the Ancient World...also beautifully written." (Lord Richard Layard, author)
"An important book, because it reminds us philosophy is not just about analysis. It's also about the good life." (Matthew Syed, Times books of the year)
More from the same
Narrator
What listeners say about Philosophy for Life
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- AmazonCustomer
- 29-07-21
Whistle stop tour of philosophy
This is an absolutely brilliant premise and a great whistle-stop tour of philosophy, philosophers and doctrines and fitting those into modern life and the issues we face today.
It's a massive undertaking to tackle such a broad subject and it's set out well.
That said, I had mixed feelings about this book at points. The author did not take a consistently unbiased stance and, at points, use of language such as "claptrap" hinted at his predilections. Although at other points he would appear open to and neutrally describe ideas that I found quite extreme.
As such, I swung from violently agreeing with the author, to disagreeing depending on his lack of neutrality and my own.
For instance, I felt the author was dismissive about 'new age' ideas, and yet surely there is a Venn diagram where the new age and the philosophical naturally overlap? ('There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy')
I think I will read this again and again as there is a lot to digest. It's well written, amusing and clever and, for me, a good starting point to work out which philosophy might be worth a deeper look. I wish this had existed when I studied philosophy at uni!