Aristotle's Way

How Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life

By: Edith Hall

Narrated by: Sian Thomas

Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

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 10 practical and universal lessons to help us confront life's difficult and crucial moments, summarizing a lifetime of the most rarefied and brilliant scholarship.

©2019 Edith Hall (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Hall’s new book clears a rare middle way for her reader to pursue happiness...Aristotle’s Way carefully charts the arc of a virtuous life that springs from youthful talent, grows by way of responsible decisions and self-reflection, finds expression in mature relationships, and comes to rest in joyful retirement and a quietly reverent death. Easier said than done, but Aristotle, Hall explains, is there to help.” (New York Times Book Review)

“Hall explains some of the philosopher’s most complex ideas in an approachable way, covering his notes on everything from the power of community to understanding your goals and why you should always consult a third party when making a decision... When it comes to happiness, perhaps it’s actually time to say out with the new and in with the old.” (TIME Magazine)

“In clear, patient language, Hall deftly weaves threads pulled from this daunting range of material into lessons that pertain directly to dilemmas of modern life... We are told that Hall “first encountered Aristotle when she was twenty, and he changed her life forever”; one of the book’s strengths is her tone of unmistakable sincerity.” (American Scholar)

“[A] lucid account...nontechnical but deeply grounded.... Can happiness come from virtue? This lively book makes a good argument in the affirmative.” (Kirkus Review)

it was well written and has something for everyone

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

great book

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

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.