Massimo Pigliucci

Updating ancient philosophy with modern cognitive and social science, a leading philosopher reveals how a sceptical approach is the perfect guide to a good life The ancient Greeks and Romans devised an approach to life based on the notion that we don't know as much as we think we do, and that adjusting our beliefs to the evidence while keeping in mind that we could be wrong about things is the path to a happy and meaningful life and a just society. In HOW TO BE A (HAPPY) SKEPTIC, philosopher and scientist Massimo Pigliucci adopts as his guide the ancient Roman public advocate, orator, statesman and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero to reveal the benefits of cultivating curiosity and doubt in the pursuit of knowledge throughout our life. Following Cicero's life and works, Pigliucci explores the foundations for a good life, from how to formulate our values to how to nurture friendships, from how to be a good citizen and fight for social justice to how to handle grief, pain and even death - all the while setting this ancient wisdom in the context of modern knowledge.

Learn how to survive life's hardships and enjoy its pleasures with the modern stoic mindset. In this enlightening book, philosopher Massimo Pigliucci offers a thoughtful and modern reinterpretation of Epictetus's 53 lessons for living a good life. Drawing on the ancient wisdom of the Stoics, this is a comforting guide that will help you reclaim the power of your emotional response and let go of the things you can't control.

A wide-ranging philosophical and practical guide to incorporating the wisdom of ancient philosophers into daily modern life. How can I live a good life? Who do I want to become? And how do I get ther? hese are some of life's biggest questions. But they can be hard to think through. Fortunately, a group of philosophers from ancient Greece and Rome have already done a lot of the heavy lifting. Drawing on the philosophies, life lessons and experiences of key thinkers, Live Like a Philosopher will help you navigate these existential waters with invaluable insights for modern life. From finding balance with Aristotle and embracing uncertainty with Carneades, to avoiding pain with Epicurus and learning how to question everything with Socrates, this is a powerful toolkit to help you navigate the highs and lows of modern life. Organized around three main themes of pleasure, character, and doubt, there's something to learn from each master in this philosophical quest. Live Like a Philosopher is the helping hand we all need to make life better.