Aristotle's Way

How Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life

De: Edith Hall

Narrado por: Sian Thomas

From renowned classicist Edith Hall, ARISTOTLE'S WAY is an examination of one of history's greatest philosophers, showing us how to lead happy, fulfilled, and meaningful lives

Aristotle was the first philosopher to inquire into subjective happiness, and he understood its essence better and more clearly than anyone since. According to Aristotle, happiness is not about well-being, but instead a lasting state of contentment, which should be the ultimate goal of human life. We become happy through finding a purpose, realizing our potential, and modifying our behavior to become the best version of ourselves. With these objectives in mind, Aristotle developed a humane program for becoming a happy person, which has stood the test of time, comprising much of what today we associate with the good life: meaning, creativity, and positivity. Most importantly, Aristotle understood happiness as available to the vast majority us, but only, crucially, if we decide to apply ourselves to its creation--and he led by example. As Hall writes, "If you believe that the goal of human life is to maximize happiness, then you are a budding Aristotelian."

In expert yet vibrant modern language, Hall lays out the crux of Aristotle's thinking, mixing affecting autobiographical anecdotes with a deep wealth of classical learning. For Hall, whose own life has been greatly improved by her understanding of Aristotle, this is an intensely personal subject. She distills his ancient wisdom into ten practical and universal lessons to help us confront life's difficult and crucial moments, summarizing a lifetime of the most rarefied and brilliant scholarship.

Excellent

Easy listen full of great content & life hacks … I wish I would’ve started studying these incredible philosophers earlier in life

great book

excellent book! Well worth the time to listen to and or read. I highly recommend it!

it was well written and has something for everyone

I look forward to sharing And discussing these Concepts with my close friends and family

Liberal Professor’s Take on Aristotle

Overall I liked the way Aristotle’s main tenets were covered, but had to roll my eyes at many of the examples the author used. It was almost like a Monty Python skit of a professor questioning everything except their own preconceptions and a priori assumptions.

Not educational

Most of the discussion is tangential. The parts that do focus on Aristotle are inaccurate. Inexplicably, Aristotle seems to have opinions that are extremely congenial to the priors of a 21st century academic. The reader, however, was fantastic. She can even do convincing American accents.

Full of Political Opinion

There are political, anti-American, and social opinion overlays throughout the book. I couldn’t finish it.

Highly Biased

Philosophy, and in particular, Aristotle’s views on an ethical life should be measured using one’s personal bias to color the importance of the subject. At every opportunity, Ms. Thomas makes clear to the reader (or listener) what her politics are. She covers the subjects well, but the off putting references to George Bush, Barack Obama, feminism, legal justice systems and so on cloud the important messages. She even has a go at the US system for vaccinating children.

In all, the book is well organized and clear in its somewhat superficial explanation of Aristotelian ethics. It could have been a more enjoyable listening experience with less of her opinion or citation of opinions which earn her sympathy.