Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Invaluable wisdom on living a good life from one of the Enlightenment's greatest philosophers
David Hume (1711-1776) is perhaps best known for his ideas about cause and effect and his criticisms of religion, but he is rarely thought of as a philosopher with practical wisdom to offer. Hume's philosophy is grounded in an honest assessment of nature--human nature in particular. The Great Guide is an engaging and eye-opening account of how it should serve as the basis for a complete approach to life.
In this enthralling book, Julian Baggini masterfully interweaves biography with intellectual history and philosophy to give us a complete vision of Hume's guide to life. He follows Hume on his life's journey, literally walking in the great philosopher's footsteps as he takes readers to the places that inspired him the most, from his family estate near the Scottish border to Paris, where, as an older man, Hume was warmly embraced by French society. Baggini shows how Hume put his philosophy into practice, leading a life that blends reason and passion, study and leisure, and relaxation and enjoyment.
The Great Guide includes 145 Humean maxims for living well, on topics ranging from the meaning of success and the value of travel to friendship, facing death, identity, and the importance of leisure. This book shows how life is far richer with Hume as your guide.