"Critchley may not put forth a viable antidote to Suzanne Somers and Rick Warren, but then again, the sophistries hawked by New Age gurus, life-extension enthusiasts and televangelists have been around since, well, the Sophists, and are likely to endure for as long as we do." Alexander Provan, the Nation (read the entire Nation review)
Synopses & Reviews
"To philosophize is to learn how to die." — Cicero; assassinated by order of Mark Antony
"One who no longer is cannot suffer." — Lucretius; suicide, allegedly driven mad by a love potion
"Life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." — Hobbes; died in bed, age 91
In this collection of brief lives (and deaths) of nearly two hundred of the world's greatest thinkers, noted philosopher Simon Critchley creates a register of mortality that is tragic, amusing, absurd, and exemplary. From the self-mocking haikus of Zen masters on their deathbeds to the last words of Christian saints and modern-day sages, this irresistible book contains much to inspire both amusement and reflection.
Informed by Critchley's acute insight, scholarly intelligence, and sprightly wit, each entry tells its own tale, but collected together they add up to a profound and moving investigation of meaning and the possibility of happiness for us all.
Review:
"According to Cicero, 'to philosophize is to learn how to die.' Critchley (
Infinitely Demanding) illustrates this claim in his portraits of the deaths of more than 190 philosophers from the ancients to the analytics of the mid — 20th century. A primer on just about every notable philosophical figure in history, this book challenges readers to learn from the philosophers' conduct in life and the circumstances of their deaths. Confucius believed that mourning underscored the value of life; accordingly, his followers grieved his death for at least three years. Thoreau, Emerson and John Stuart Mill died of ordinary ailments while relishing the natural world. Aquinas found serenity contemplating the bough of a tree, fitting consolation for the philosopher who preached the interconnectedness of nature and the soul. Dionysius spent the second half of his life rejecting Stoicism and embracing hedonism yet committed a protracted suicide by voluntary starvation. David Hume proved that atheists could die happy. The book offers an interpretation of death's potential as a final artistic and intellectual endeavor; it is a witty and generous gift that will leave readers perhaps a little less afraid of death and more appreciative of life."
Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)
Synopsis:
In this rigorous, profound and frequently hilarious (The Sunday Telegraph, UK) work, philosopher Critchley recounts the deaths of more than 190 philosophers and shows how their variously tragic, amusing, bizarre, and absurd ends can help readers lead richer lives.
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