In this remarkable little book, Andre Comte-Sponville introduces the reader to the western philosophical tradition in a series of sparkling chapters on the 'big questions'. In doing so he reveals the essential bones of philosophical thought and shows why philosophy is relevant in our day-to-day lives.
In his brilliant and concise writing on morality, politics, love, death, knowledge, freedom, God, atheism, art, time, Man, and wisdom, he inspires the central question of philosophy - how should we live? - and provides the reader with signposts towards a happier, wiser life.
Professor of Philosophy at the Sorbonne, Andre Comte-Sponville is the author of a number of books, including the international bestsellerA Short Treatise on the Great Virtues, which has been translated into 24 languages.
In a country that reveres philosophers, Comte-Sponville is latest in a line of French star philosophers that runs from Sartre, through Derrida, Finkielkraut and Berni-Henry Levy. Unlike the last three, his accessibility and refusal to fly in the face of common sense has made him famous across Europe.
