The Meaning of Things

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A refreshing distillation of insights into the human condition, by one of the best-known and most popular philosophers in the UK.

Thinking about life, what it means and what it holds in store does not have to be a despondent experience, but rather can be enlightening and uplifting. A life truly worth living is one that is informed and considered so a degree of philosophical insight into the inevitabilities of the human condition is inherently important and such an approach will help us to deal with real personal dilemmas.

This book is an accessible, lively and thought-provoking series of linked commentaries, based on A. C. Grayling’s ‘The Last Word’ column in the GUARDIAN. Its aim is not to persuade readers to accept one particular philosophical point of view or theory, but to help us consider the wonderful range of insights which can be drawn from an immeasurably rich history of philosophical thought.

Concepts covered include courage, love, betrayal, ambition, cruelty, wisdom, passion, beauty and death. This will be a wonderfully stimulating read and act as an invaluable guide as to what is truly important in living life, whether facing success, failure, justice, wrong, love, loss or any of the other profound experience life throws out.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Phoenix; New edition (July 4, 2002)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0753813599
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0753813591
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.3 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.63 x 7.75 inches

12 reviews for The Meaning of Things

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  1. H.R.S.

    Great book
    This book helped me learn how to eloquently argue the opinions and perspectives I already had. At least for some topics. For others, it explained things in a way that helped me change my mind. I’m a better person for having read it.

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  2. Melissa

    A thoughtful take of current day situations.
    A worthwhile read for anyone who is looking to put this crazy world into a bit of perspective. It takes the emotion out of the immediate argument without discounting its impact.

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  3. Desmond

    Great read
    Haven’t finished reading it yet, but even the first few chapters have made me think of the way i treat others and the reality around me 🙂

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  4. Kosovar

    I was and still am so impressed
    Wow.This book even though philosophical ‘heavy’ read it was as pleasant as any gripping novels. I couldn’t stop reading it and I had to finish at the same night I’ve started. The quotations the writer chose for the beginning of each ‘chapter’ were elusive and very very thought provoking ones. And his comments about a variety of subjects were absolutely smart too. It replaced most of my thoughts with his. If you really want to prove it to someone that philosophy is not as confusing as people think then recommend this book as it is a delight for the hungry minds.Nice work

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  5. PaulB

    A wonderful gift to the reader
    This book is a wonderful gift by AC Grayling to the reader.He conveys his deep understanding of philosophy and the world in an accessible way – this is something that cannot be said about too many philosophy books. The book is structured in short essays meaning it can be picked up, enjoyed and then put aside to allow time for rumination…. then it can be dipped into all over again. I must have read each essay several times and I still put it down feeling I have gained a little more from re-reading it. Highly recommended.

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  6. GeooeG

    Disappointed …
    I will admit to being a bit disappointed in this book. The book is basically a bunch of chapters, each covering a single topic such as “hate”, “moralizing”, “capitalism”, etc. One would assume that with a title like “The Meaning of Things”, each chapter would be attempting to provide real meaning to the topic, but I found myself thinking that the treatments were fairly light weight. I am struggling just to finish the book because it is deadly dull. Example, the chapter on “Intemperance” starts as “A night of alcohol-assisted celebration …”. The author does present the idea that intemperance can be seen from the viewpoint of understanding the boundaries. He brings up Epicurus, but in the end, it is less about meaning and more about definition. Rather than stimulating the mind, it is more stimulating to my eyelids, as in sleep.

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  7. Keith Appleyard

    A Very Enjoyable Read
    I’m sure any reader of this book will take away some favourite sections. For me, the consecutively-placed entries on Betrayal, Loyalty & Blame were exemplary juxtapositions of those complementary topics.I would also recommend the entry on Racism.Given the brevity of the articles, sure they can’t give you an in-depth discussion on the topic, but its just deep enough to get one thinking about the topics.I think this would be an excellent ‘pocket-book’ to dip into for anyone in their late teens trying to come to terms with the world.Having read this book, I moved directly to reading Graylings follow-up book, The Reason of Things.Only disappointment – no Bibliography, so when Grayling frequently quotes other Authors / Philosophers, I don’t know where to go to for further reading.

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  8. Amazon Customer

    Professor Grayling writes with a lucidity which strikes the right notes in ones mind, he abhors obscurity (many philosophers – and pseudo philiosophers write the most intractable stuff) and, although he is capable of density and complexity himself (but not obscurity) he sticks to one of the principles of philiosophy which is to use language precisely so as to confer meaning correctly. Interestingly he auggests that fidelity in marriage is not a given because fidelity should be freely given, not demanded as a right by the other party, I wondered how that reconciled with the concept of pre-existing trust – without which there can be no betrayal. In other words if you trust your partner is it not the case you (subconsciously) demand fidelity? Also on loyalty – it means standing by someone despite occasions of disagreement and disapproval, “for friendship is first about fidelities and only afterwards about what tests them”. And yet Prince Andrew was castigated (remember the shock on Emily Maitlis’ face) when he suggested he didn’t abandon friends. Surely the circumstances here represent the biggest test of friendship (although the Prince did suggest he was simply an associate). Similarly we are all to blame for the proliferation of arms (guns and bombs) because “we all supinely accept that armies and weapons are inevitable” and yet elsewhere Professor Grayling acknowledges the inherent evil in many (usually) men such as Stalin and Hitler, so armies and weapons ARE inevitable as Putin’s sabre (nuclear) rattling demonstrates. The writer is quite scathing about certain things, the blind acceptance of religion for example (Kierkegaard is quoted -one feels with glee- as defining faith as “the leap taken … despite the very absurdity of what one is asked to believe”) and, by extension, religion is aligned with superstition. Interestingly in the ignorance section he mentions the South Sea Bubble where many investors lost lots of money, it is intersting to note (not in book) that Isaac Newton invested in the SSB (twice) and lost a lot of money so even he demonstrated ignorance in certain subjects (not gravity for sure). Overall the writer is one of the best in conveying the complex ideas of philosophy AND applying them to our life today, happiness is not found in the shopping mall, it is found within and philosophy is the key to that inner self (goodness its working). Seriously his books are great and the subject is something I have rekindled enthusiasm for, which I think is Professor Grayling’s overall objective.

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  9. martin randall

    Thought provoking and easy to read. A book you can dip into for interesting perspectives on day to day philosophy topics applied to modern life.

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  10. Catherine Freeman

    It is what it says:Grayling explains how we can give our lives meaning without resorting to the myths of Christianity or any other orthodox religion …instead he gives us tools to create our own meaning.

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  11. Connor D Scott

    Has tons of very interesting points and themes, including the nature of mercy vs justice. The book breaks down the various topics of philosophy and at times each theme is a little short and you wish you would have more on your favourite topics.Great for quotes! or any exam which require you to unearth and expose complicated socio-political issues.

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  12. Amazon Customer

    This book is really good for section II of the GAMSAT to get some ideas and different views.

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    The Meaning of Things

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