Boxing Day Sale is live! Up to 20% off 2000+ Books

The Meaning of Things

Applying Philosophy to life
3.86 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 1,689 ratings, 139 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Meaning of Things by Prof A.C. Grayling offers a thought-provoking collection of essays exploring significant philosophical and psychological themes. Through reflections on topics like happiness, tragedy, and other universal human experiences, Grayling encourages readers to find meaning and perspective in everyday life. This book is an insightful guide for those seeking to understand the deeper questions of existence.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy exploring thought-provoking essays on life’s big questions, as it offers philosophical insights into everyday concepts that might inspire deeper reflection on personal experiences. Prof A.C. Grayling’s accessible writing style makes complex ideas engaging and relatable, perhaps enriching your understanding of philosophy’s role in daily life.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Meaning of Things

A look at how best to approach life.

Reissued in a fantastic new series look The Meaning of Things has sold 70,000 in paperback A.C. Grayling has become one of Britain's top intellectual figures 'Grayling writes with clarity, elegance and the occasional aphoristic twist, conscious of standing in a long tradition that runs from Montaigne and Bacon back to Emerson and Thoreau' Sunday Telegraph 'Grayling is particularly good at illuminating the knottiness of moral discourse...accessible and intelligent, this collection offers some interesting starting points for philosophical reflection rather than being a potted history of other people's ideas' Sunday Times

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'The unconsidered life is not worth living' - Socrates. Thinking about life, what it means and what it holds in store does not have to be a despondent experience, but rather can be enlightening and uplifting. A life truly worth living is one that is informed and considered, so a degree of philosophical insight into the inevitabilities of the human condition is inherently important. Such an approach will help us to deal with real personal dilemmas.

The Meaning of Things is an accessible, lively, and thought-provoking series of linked commentaries, based on A. C. Grayling's 'The Last Word' column in the Guardian. Its aim is not to persuade readers to accept one particular philosophical point of view or theory, but to help us consider the wonderful range of insights that can be drawn from an immeasurably rich history of philosophical thought.

Concepts covered include courage, love, betrayal, ambition, cruelty, wisdom, passion, beauty, and death. This will be a wonderfully stimulating read and act as an invaluable guide as to what is truly important in living life, whether facing success, failure, justice, wrong, love, loss or any of the other profound experiences life throws out.

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 Meaning of Things by Prof A.C. Grayling is praised for its refreshing clarity in thought. It offers insightful reflections on various aspects of life, encouraging readers to explore philosophical questions with straightforward and clear reasoning.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780753813591

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 October 2007

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 176.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 206g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Anthony Grayling teaches philosophy at Birkbeck College, London and is a Fellow of St Anne's, Oxford. He reviews regularly in the Financial Times. He has a regular column in Prospect and The Times.

Also by Prof A.C. Grayling

View all

More from Philosophy & Psychology

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.