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The Choice Of Hercules
Pleasure, Duty And The Good Life In The 21st Century
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Check link for latest rating. ( 120 ratings, 12 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Duty or Pleasure? The new bestseller from one of Britain's most pre-eminent philosophers.
Anthony Grayling's books have established him as the book trade's serious philospher of choice His acclaimed collections of essays have sold over 100,000 paperbacks He receives excellent reviews: 'He is a philosopher engaged in what he rightly praises, adding value to life...Here is a book worth talking to' Guardian 'A C Grayling has perfected the art of a philosophical vignette... Each chapter is a finely balanced portion of information, analysis, allusion and often profound reflection written with graceful authority' The Herald 'An elegance of style, a sense of humour, and the ability to juxtapose serious musings with wise and wacky facts... and you have an easily digestible form of philosophy' TLS 'Grayling is never silly, he has a wonderful fund of apt quotations... Grayling makes one ruminate' Literary Review 'You could do far worse than spend an evening or three in the company of this book. Like good conversation, it engages you in a flow of topics without ever pausing long enough to bore' Independent Grayling's thoughts sweep over a vast landscape of knowledge, offering an alluring glimpse and encouraging greater study on the reader's part. Refreshing' Irish Times
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Description
Duty or Pleasure? This was the legendary choice which faced Hercules and which pre-eminent philosopher A.C Grayling uses as the starting point of this masterful book, The Choice of Hercules.
He shows us how much more people can understand about themselves and their world by reflecting on today's moral challenges. Above all, he explores the idea that certain demands and certain pleasures are necessary, not just because of their intrinsic merits but because of what they do for each other.
The Good Life or the good life? With exceptional clarity and unrivalled prose, Grayling addresses the everyday ethical choices which confront us all.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Choice Of Hercules by Prof A.C. Grayling is lauded as persuasive and strangely consoling, offering an accessible take on general philosophy that is both kind and life-enhancing. It is described as admirably sensible and sometimes stirringly written, providing an enriching and thought-provoking read that prompts reflection on the nature of a good and happy life.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780753824436
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 13 November 2008
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 14.0mm
Width: 167.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 161g
Pages: 192
About the Author
Anthony Grayling teaches philosophy at Birkbeck Colleage, London and is a Fellow of St Anne's, Oxford. He reviews frequently in the Financial Times and has a regular column in Prospect. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
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