The Meaning of Life: Perspectives from the World's Great Intellectual Traditions

By: Jay L. Garfield, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Jay L. Garfield

Length: 18 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

What is the meaning of life?

It's a question every thoughtful person has pondered at one time or another. Indeed, it may be the biggest question of all - at once profound and universal, but also deeply personal.

We want to understand the world in which we live, but we also want to understand how to make our own lives as meaningful as possible; to know not only why we're living, but that we're doing it with intention, purpose, and ethical commitment. But how, exactly, do we find that meaning, and develop that commitment? How can we grasp why we are here? Or how we should proceed? And to whom, exactly, we should listen as we shape the path we will walk? This comprehensive 36-lecture series from a much-honored scholar is an invigorating way to begin or continue your pursuit of these questions, and it requires no previous background in philosophical or religious thought.

It offers a rigorous and wide-ranging exploration of what various spiritual, religious, and philosophical traditions from both the East and West have contributed to this profound line of questioning, sharing insights from sources that include ancient Indian texts, such as:

• The Bhagavad-Gita
• Foundational Chinese texts like the Daodejing and the Chuang Tzu
• Classical Western texts, such as Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics and Marcus Aurelius's Meditations
• Modern philosophers and writers like David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Leo Tolstoy
• The unique perspectives offered by Native Americans, in this case, the Lakota Sioux medicine man and writer, John Lame Deer
• More recent and contemporary philosophers, such as Mohandas Gandhi and the Dalai Lama

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2011 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2011 The Great Courses

Thoughtful, Evenhanded, Precise, and Well Spoken

This lecture series discusses The Bhagavad Gita, Aristotle, The Book of Job, Stoicism (including Epictetus, Seneca, Lucretius, and Marcus Aurelius), Confucius, The Dao De Jing (including Zhuangzi), Buddhist teachings (including Santideva and Zen), Hume, Kant, Mill, Tolstoy, Nietzsche, Gandhi, Lame Deer, and the Dalai Lama. He concentrates on bringing out what each subject has to say particularly on the meaning of life, and he always reminds the listener of themes that we have heard in previous lectures and how they compare to the current lecture. He took every perspective seriously, and during each lecture I felt he was making a great case for each viewpoint. He respects Nietzsche and Gandhi equally. He is calm yet engaging speaker. One revelation I had was the difference in how the ancient world generally understands the meaning of life as opposed to the modern world. I got a lot out of listening, and may listen again after a few months. If I were to guess, I would guess he gives slightly more time to compassion/nature of self, but he gives almost equal time to other topics such as the aesthetic/creative and knowledge/progress ideas of the good life.

From Aristotle to Dalai lama. What an eye opener!

This is my first foray into philosophy and what a foray it was!

This is such an eye opener of a course. Professor Garfield is equally passionate about the old and the new; the east and the west. Some sections like the Confucius and the Dao perspectives feel incomprehensible, but they reward you very well in the end, if you have the patience.

The best part of the book was the modern and the post modern philosophies. I really loved Tolstoy and Gandhi. I believe that's where my perspective lies.

For the past few years I was struggling with religion and its place in my life. I was debating whether I was an agnostic or an atheist. But now I know that I am neither and I am both. I might even be religious and may once in a while believe in god. After listening to this lecture I believe this dichotomy should persist in me and I will not allow myself to be boxed in to one perspective.

I am one and I am all.

Excellent overview

I really enjoyed the overview. The narration was pleasant and I learned a lot. Words words words

Informative

Loved it and loved the narrator. It gave a wide perspective and some background on who these people were.

Informative and thought provocative

I love this course. Instead of trying to convince you what is the meaning of life, the book takes you through all the philosophy writings about meaning of life, and let you decide yourself what is the meaning of life. The book is also a nice introduction to philosophy, if you are interested in philosophy but are intimidated by the complexity and vast number of philosophical literature, this book is a great start.

Grateful for the education!

I liked the whole story. I gave it four stars, only because of the waist of time at the ending and beginning of each chapter that unnecessarily repeated, “ Thank you for listening ..., I hope you will join me in the next chapter..., and clapping. Otherwise it’s a masterpiece that I would like listening to again!

If I can give only ONE recommendation, this is it.

If I can give only ONE recommendation, this is it. Prof. Garfield does an amazing job of leading us through a somewhat chronological journey of spiritual, religious and philosophical teachings that provide ANY listener with a more informed perspective. 1000% on my MUST READ list and also on my READ AGAIN AND AGAIN list (this is my 4th or 5th time). Enjoy!

Great overview of variety of philosophers

I really enjoyed this audio book, especially Jay Garfield’s extensive knowledge and passion about the subject. I learned a lot! I hope this professor will offer more audio books in the future!

The Best Great Course

Inspiring content, open-minded accessible approach, and excellent narration.

a fresh look at ancient-modern texts on the deepest questions of all.

Excellent Course Concept and Delivery

I would suggest renaming this course "How to Lead a Meaningful Life" as that is the essence of what Jay Garfield presents in this extremely diverse collection of writings from the past 2,500 years. Excellent choice of material very insightfully examined with a final wrap-up that connects the common themes that run throughout while pointing out the differences. I can easily say it is a course that when finished you not only know a lot more but it will keep you thinking and examining what is a truly meaningful way to live your life. The best part is answers are given.