Description
Book Synopsis: Nicolson crafts a geography of the ancient world and a brilliant exploration of our connections to the past. What is the nature of things? What is justice? How can I be myself? How should we treat each other? Before the Greeks, the idea of the world was dominated by god-kings and their priests. Twenty-five hundred years ago, in a succession of small eastern Mediterranean harbor cities, a few heroic men and women decided to cast off mental subservience and apply their own thinking minds to the conundrums of life.
These great innovators shaped the beginnings of western philosophy. Through the questioning voyager Odysseus, Homer explored how we might navigate our way through the world. Heraclitus, in Ephesus, was the first to consider the interrelatedness of things. Xenophanes of Colophon was the first champion of civility. On the Aegean island of Lesbos, the early lyric poets Sappho and Alcaeus asked themselves, “How can I be true to myself?” On Samos, Pythagoras imagined an everlasting soul and took his ideas to Italy, where they flowered again in surprising and radical forms.
The award-winning writer Adam Nicolson travels with us through this transforming world and asks what light these ancient thinkers can throw on our deepest preconceptions. Enhanced with maps, photographs, and artwork, How to Be is an expedition into early ideas. Nicolson takes us to the dawn of investigative thought and makes the fundamental questions of the ancient philosophers new again. What are the principles of the physical world? How can we be good in it? And why do we continue to ask these questions? It is an enthralling, exhilarating journey.
Details
Embark on a philosophical journey back in time with "How to Be: Life Lessons from the Early Greeks" by acclaimed author Adam Nicolson. Dive into the world of ancient Greek thinkers who dared to challenge conventional beliefs and pave the way for modern philosophy. Explore the fundamental questions about existence, justice, and self-discovery that have intrigued humanity for centuries. Let Nicolson's captivating storytelling and insightful analysis guide you through the wisdom of the early Greeks and discover how their ideas continue to resonate in our lives today.
Experience a captivating blend of history, philosophy, and adventure as Nicolson uncovers the intellectual revolution that took place in the eastern Mediterranean over two millennia ago. Delve into the minds of visionary individuals like Heraclitus, Pythagoras, and Sappho as they grapple with profound questions about the nature of reality, ethics, and personal identity. Through vivid storytelling and engaging illustrations, Nicolson brings to life the vibrant world of the ancient Greeks and invites readers to ponder the timeless wisdom of these pioneering thinkers.
Join Nicolson on a thought-provoking odyssey that transcends time and space, inviting you to reflect on the enduring relevance of ancient philosophical inquiries in our contemporary world. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of ideas woven by the early Greeks and discover how their quest for truth and meaning continues to inspire and challenge us today. Whether you are a seasoned scholar of philosophy or a curious seeker of knowledge, "How to Be" promises to ignite your intellect and spark new insights into the essence of human existence.
Ready to embark on a transformative journey through the intellectual landscape of the ancient Greeks? Uncover the timeless wisdom of early philosophy and explore the profound questions that have shaped our understanding of the world. Dive into "How to Be: Life Lessons from the Early Greeks" today and embark on an enlightening exploration of the foundations of Western thought.
Discover More Best Sellers in History & Criticism
Shop History & Criticism
The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson (Modern Library Classics)
$15.99
History & Criticism - The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson (Modern Library Classics)
Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype
$7.64
History & Criticism - Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype
On Writing and Worldbuilding: Volume I
$10.99
History & Criticism - On Writing and Worldbuilding: Volume I
The Scarlet Letter and Other Writings: A Norton Critical Edition (Norton Critical Editions)
$1.80
History & Criticism - The Scarlet Letter and Other Writings: A Norton Critical Edition (Norton Critical Editions)
Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art
$16.99
History & Criticism - Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art
Hamlet: No Fear Shakespeare Deluxe Student Edition (Volume 26)
$3.55
History & Criticism - Hamlet: No Fear Shakespeare Deluxe Student Edition (Volume 26)
