Books matching: philosophical exploration of happiness
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- #1
A Happy Death by Albert Camus is a novella that explores the nature of happiness and the consequences of committing murder. The story follows the main character, Patrice Mersault, as he tests a friend's theory that money leads to personal happiness by murdering an invalid and taking his money. As Mersault navigates through various phases of his search for happiness, he grapples with illness, dissatisfaction, and the realization of impending death. The writing style is described as introspective, psychological, and rife with beautiful descriptions, reflecting Camus' philosophical bent and his own life experiences in Algeria.
It was ten in the morning, and Patrice Mersault was walking steadily toward Zagreus’ villa. By now the housekeeper had left for the market, and the villa was deserted. It was a beautiful April morning... - #2
'The Illicit Happiness of Other People' by Manu Joseph is a darkly comic and philosophical tale set in India, following a dysfunctional Malayalam Catholic family dealing with the aftermath of the suicide of their talented son, Unni. The story delves into the father's journey to uncover the reasons behind Unni's tragic death, exploring themes of mental illness, family dynamics, and the quest for understanding amidst grief and mystery. Through intricate storytelling and surreal elements, the book navigates through the complexities of human emotions and relationships in a thought-provoking manner.
OUSEP CHACKO, ACCORDING TO Mariamma Chacko, is the kind of man who has to be killed at the end of a story. But he knows that she is not very sure about this sometimes, especially in the mornings. He s... - #3
'The Consolations of Philosophy' by Alain de Botton is a book that introduces readers to the ideas of several important philosophers throughout history. The author presents the thoughts of these philosophers in a relatable and accessible manner, connecting their teachings to modern-day issues and experiences. Through exploring various philosophical schools of thought like Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Existentialism, de Botton aims to make philosophy practical and applicable to daily life. The book delves into topics such as happiness, wealth, greed, feelings of inadequacy, and how philosophical ideas can help individuals navigate life's challenges.
The writing style of 'The Consolations of Philosophy' is described as enjoyable, perceptive, insightful, and light-hearted. Readers appreciate how de Botton integrates the works of prominent philosophers with humor and wit, making complex philosophical concepts easier to understand. The book is praised for its ability to introduce readers to different schools of philosophy and demonstrate how philosophical ideas can be relevant and useful in addressing real-life trials and tribulations.
Jacques-Louis David received his commission in the spring of 1786 from Charles-Michel Trudaine de la Sablière, a wealthy member of the Parlement and a gifted Greek scholar. The terms were generous, 6,... 'The Book of Disquiet: The Complete Edition' by Fernando Pessoa is a collection of fragmented thoughts and musings of fictional Portugese bookkeeper Bernardo Soares, one of Pessoa's heteronyms. The book is a diary-like account of Soares' existential reflections on life, literature, poetry, sensibility, and metaphysics, with no plot or story arc. Pessoa's poetic prose is described as beautiful and profound, with virtually every sentence being a gem. The book is best experienced by dipping into it over a long period of time, rather than reading it cover to cover, as it offers insights into the depths of human emotions and existential ponderings.
The writing style of 'The Book of Disquiet' is characterized by its rich expressiveness, introspective nature, and melancholic tone. Pessoa weaves together observation and introspection, creating a deeply existential and existentialist work that challenges readers to contemplate the imperfections of life and the struggle of living authentically. The book is a blend of diary, fiction, autobiography, philosophy, and poetry in prose, offering a unique reading experience that invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human emotions and the futility of longing for the impossible.
Lisbon has a certain number of eating establishments in which, on top of a respectable-looking tavern, there’s a regular dining room with the solid and homey air of a restaurant in a small trainless t...- #5
'The Wisdom of Life' by Arthur Schopenhauer is a philosophical exploration that reflects on the importance of living a well-examined life. Schopenhauer delves into the aspects of human existence, such as one's identity, possessions, and reputation, offering insights on what truly matters for a fulfilling life. The book is a collection of essays that touch upon topics like wisdom, fame, honor, and the pursuit of happiness, all presented through Schopenhauer's unique perspective and engaging writing style.
SCHOPENHAUER is one of the few philosophers who can be generally understood without a commentary. All his theories claim to be drawn direct from the facts, to be suggested by observation, and to inter... - #6
The Art of Happiness by Epicurus is a comprehensive overview of Epicurean philosophy, focusing on topics such as atoms, physical phenomena, and the good life. The book includes interpretations of Epicurus' theories and teachings, along with insights into ancient Greek thought and the historical context of the philosopher's ideas. While some readers found the book challenging to read due to its dense content and scholarly approach, others appreciated the modern translation and the relevance of Epicurus' philosophy to contemporary issues such as happiness, ethics, and living well in a complex world.
The following sections are constructed primarily from the writings of the later Atomists, Epicurus and Lucretius, inasmuch as the works of Democritus, once voluminous in extent, are now unfortunately ... - #7
'Fifteen Dogs' by Andre Alexis explores the premise of two Greek gods, Apollo and Hermes, giving human consciousness to 15 dogs to see if they would be happy. As the dogs transition from their canine nature to human-like intelligence, they grapple with philosophical questions and societal dynamics. The story delves into themes of self-awareness, mortality, power struggles, and the complexities of human behavior, all narrated through the perspective of the dogs themselves. Through a blend of fiction, fantasy, and philosophy, the book presents a unique exploration of the human condition from a non-human point of view.
One evening in Toronto, the gods Apollo and Hermes were at the Wheat Sheaf Tavern. Apollo had allowed his beard to grow until it reached his clavicle. Hermes, more fastidious, was clean-shaven, but hi... - #8
'Replay' by Ken Grimwood is a captivating tale of a man named Jeff Winston who dies at age 43 only to wake up in his college dorm room at age 18, with full knowledge of his previous life. He finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same 25-year sequence repeatedly, making different choices each time. The book explores themes of second chances, life choices, love, and the inevitability of loss. The writing style is described as compelling, thought-provoking, and engaging, with a mix of time travel elements and deep explorations of human emotions and relationships.
“We need—” she’d said, and he never heard her say just what it was they needed, because something heavy seemed to slam against his chest, crushing the breath out of him. The phone fell from his hand a...