The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained (DK Big Ideas)

Product Information

DK was founded in London in 1974 and is now the world leading illustrated reference publisher and a member of the Penguin Random House division of Bertelsmann. DK publishes highly visual, photographic non-fiction for adults and children. DK produces content for consumers in over 100 countries and over 60 languages, with offices in the UK, India, US, Germany, China, Canada, Spain and Australia. If you feel like reality keeps letting you down, perhaps you’re not spending enough time in it. Of course we get sad when we constantly think about the past or the future! This book will remedy that problem. If you’re a mindfulness skeptic or feel burned out, this book might provide just the new perspective you need. Key Takeaways

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor whose practice of Stoicism helped him lead with compassion and humility. We come from nature, and we’ll return to it eventually, so it’s only logical to live in agreement with it. As a book series, it has good features such as before and after related influences, argument diagramming, drawings and pictures related to the topics, and brief biographical summaries of each of the philosophers. Furthermore, the book did well in including 1. various contemporary philosophers, and 2. philosophical ideas from other disciplines which were not necessarily by philosophers. I suppose yes, in a way, it did provide some of the big ideas. An essential introduction to the history, concepts, and thinking behind philosophy that demystifies what can often be daunting subject matter, laid out in DK's signature style.Principles outlines and breaks down the set of rules for work and life that billionaire investor Ray Dalio, CEO of the world’s largest hedge fund, has acquired throughout his 40-year career in finance. Why should you read it? There is no good or bad without us, there is only perception. There is the event itself and the story we tell ourselves about what it means.” — Ryan Holiday The Book in One Sentence

Lives of the Stoics takes a deep dive into the experiences and beliefs of some of the earliest philosophers practicing the four Stoic virtues of courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom. Why should you read it?As one becomes aware of the decline of violence, the world begins to look different. The past seems less innocent; the present less sinister.” — Steven Pinker The Book in One Sentence The timelines at each chapter/philosopher were very helpful in connecting the dots. Even though I've read about (the ideas of) some philosophers in the past (eg. Hegel, Feuerbach and Marx), I know understand that you can better understand Marx's work when you know - understand is another thing - Hegel and Feuerbach. And Adam Smith of course. The same with the influence of Plato and Aristotle on the development of Christianity for another example. The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior to yourself.” — Plato The Book in One Sentence Stoics know there’s no point in worrying over what you can’t control, so best just make your peace with it.