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The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers

The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers

by Eric Weiner

Avid Reader Press / Simon Schuster ·2020 ·352 pages
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I Index
66/99
Near the Top

63/99

Critics' Rating Index

Near the Top

68/99

Readers' Rating Index

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Scholars' Citation Index

66/99

Volume of Reviews

76/99

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About This Book

The New York Times bestselling author of The Geography of Bliss embarks on a rollicking intellectual journey, following in the footsteps of history's greatest thinkers and showing us how each—from Epicurus to Gandhi, Thoreau to Beauvoir—offers practical and spiritual lessons for today's unsettled times.We turn to philosophy for the same reasons we to see the world from a dif­ferent perspective, to unearth hidden beauty, and to find new ways of being. We want to learn how to embrace wonder. Face regrets. Sustain hope.Eric Weiner combines his twin passions for philosophy and global travel in a pil­grimage that uncovers surprising life lessons from great thinkers around the world, from Rousseau to Nietzsche, Confucius to Simone Weil. Traveling by train (the most thoughtful mode of transport), he journeys thousands of miles, making stops in Athens, Delhi, Wyoming, Coney Island, Frankfurt, and points in between to recon­nect with philosophy's original teaching us how to lead wiser, more meaningful lives. From Socrates and ancient Athens to Simone de Beauvoir and twentieth-century Paris, Weiner's chosen philosophers and places provide important signposts as we navigate today's chaotic times.In The Socrates Express , Weiner invites us to voyage alongside him on his life-changing pursuit of wisdom and discovery as he attempts to find answers to our most vital questions.


Reviews

"Erudite, funny and frequently self-deprecating, Weiner serves as your interpreter and guide along the way."

Lucinda Robb· The Washington Post Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"And, since he's often reading the material for the first time himself, his writing is also fresh and even revelatory as he pulls together seemingly disparate notions and asks meaningful (and often unanswered) questions."

Kathleen McBroom· Booklist Read review ↗ Near the Top

"His book offers an appealing way to cope with the din of modern life and look at the world with attentive eyes and ears."

Publishers Weekly Read review ↗ Near the Top

"However, despite the simplicity of some of his writing, this is still a narrative that engages with deep thought and encourages us to focus on questions instead of answers ..."

Gabino Iglesias· NPR Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"Such a globe-trotting tour of philosophy can only be as good as its guide, and Weiner proves to be a curious, sincere, and generous companion."

Kirkus Read review ↗ Near the Top

"The Socrates Express presents universal concepts in an immediately accessible way, reminding us that, in an increasingly frenetic world, there is no more important lesson than the ephemeral nature of life."

Lisa Guidarini· The New York Journal of Books Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

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