How to Be Unlucky

Reflections on the Pursuit of Virtue

By: Joshua Gibbs

Narrated by: Joshua Gibbs

Once upon a time, Joshua Gibbs was a disinterested slacker who, despite attending a classical Christian school, learned little and cared even less for his studies. He was more interested in pop culture than great books and performed only the bare minimum to pass. By age 27, however, he began work at a different classical institution, teaching the same literature he merely skimmed as a student. Ten years later, Gibbs has become a popular blogger and frequent speaker at education conferences. In this series of frank reflections on an unlikely career, Gibbs contemplates what it means to be a good teacher, how great books can change lives (and how one particular book, The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius, changed his), and why effective education is primarily concerned with the acquisition of virtue. One part literary guidebook, one part personal memoir, and one part teacher s manual, How to Be Unlucky presents a one-of-a-kind case for ancient ways of thinking about teaching in our contemporary world.

©2018 Joshua Gibbs (P)2019 CiRCE Institute

Great Guide for Boethius

The amount of illustrations I’ve been able to draw from Gibbs as a meditates on Boethius in my classes have been innumerable. He expressed his ideas in poignant stories, that are both helpful and powerful.

Beautiful!

This is a phenomenal read. It’s not a quick read by any stretch, so give yourself the time to really consider Gibbs’ words. Work through this slowly and, better yet, in conversation with a friend or two. I kept a commonplace book as I read, because there were so many quotes I wanted to remember. I highly recommend!

First philosophy

This is my first exposure to philosophy and I love that it concerns the Christian faith!

Engaging and insightful

Joshua Gibbs’ narration held my attention despite the challenging philosophical nature of the topic. He also illuminated the major points of Boethius’ work with much insight. The numerous personal and (possibly) fictional examples proved very helpful as well as entertaining.

Profound, Awakening Moral Reflection

Gibbs brings the wisdom of Boethius's Consolation of Philosophy into our modern American mileu. The book does tend to focus on moral confusions that are more typical of American Protestants than Catholics, but the whole thing is valuable for anyone seeking to live a virtuous and even a holy life.