In 'How to Live', Sarah Bakewell embarks on a captivating exploration of philosophy and the art of living, drawing inspiration from the ideas of Montaigne, a 16th-century thinker known for his introspective essays. The book seamlessly weaves together history, philosophy, and personal reflection, inviting readers to contemplate their own lives through Montaigne's lens. Bakewell's narrative is both informative and intimate, encouraging a journey of self-discovery and authenticity. As she challenges conventional wisdom, readers are left to ponder profound questions about existence, happiness, and the essence of being. 'How to Live' is not just a philosophical treatise; it's an illuminating guide that inspires us to embrace our individuality and celebrate the human experience.
By Sarah Bakewell
Published: 2011
"To live fully is to embrace uncertainty, to dance with the unknown, and to find beauty in the transient moments that define our existence."
Winner of the 2010 National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography How to get along with people, how to deal with violence, how to adjust to losing someone you love—such questions arise in most people’s lives. They are all versions of a bigger question: How do you live? This question obsessed Renaissance writers, none more than Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, considered by many to be the first truly modern individual. He wrote free-roaming explorations of his thoughts and experience, unlike anything written before. More than four hundred years later, Montaigne’s honesty and charm still draw people to him. Readers come to him in search of companionship, wisdom, and entertainment —and in search of themselves. Just as they will to this spirited and singular biography.
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“To live fully is to embrace uncertainty, to dance with the unknown, and to find beauty in the transient moments that define our existence.”
How to Live
By Sarah Bakewell
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Sarah Bakewell is an acclaimed British author and biographer, best known for her literary works that explore philosophy, history, and the human experience. Her notable publications include 'How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer,' which delves into the life and thought of the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne, and 'At the Existentialist Café,' a cultural history of existentialism featuring prominent figures like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Bakewell's writing is characterized by its engaging narrative style, depth of insight, and ability to connect complex philosophical ideas with everyday life.
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