Learning to Live: A User's Manual (Kratkaya Istoriya Mysli)

Luc Ferry (b. 1951), a renowned French philosopher, publicist, and politician (Minister of Youth, Education, and Research from 2002 to 2004), addresses his new book to anyone who, while not professionally engaged in philosophy, would like to have an understanding of it that goes beyond a simple listing of the names of thinkers and the titles of their theories. Distinguishing four main milestones in the history of Western thought—ancient Stoicism, modern rationalism, Nietzsche, and postmodernism—Ferry shows how all of them, refining and developing each other’s ideas, address key problems for humanity: knowledge, morality, and salvation. Being a brief, accessible introduction to philosophy for any reader, and at the same time a fairly in-depth introduction, the book also serves as a consistent presentation of the author’s views on the current state of thought.

“This is a very relevant book. Luc Ferry rehabilitates the ancient philosophers’ question, ‘How to live?’” as if our lives depended on the answer… The reader will clarify his own experience and expand his horizons.” Matthew B. Crawford

“This superb primer proves that philosophy has concentrated life within itself.” Publishers Weekly

“An engaging and accessible work… a compelling case for the enduring relevance of philosophy.” Journal of French and Francophone Philosophy