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A collection of essays by fifteen philosophers presenting a thoughtful, introductory guide to choosing a philosophy for living an examined and meaningful life.

Socrates famously said "the unexamined life is not worth living," but what does it mean to truly live philosophically?

This thought-provoking, wide-ranging collection brings together essays by fifteen leading philosophers reflecting on what it means to live according to a philosophy of life. From Eastern philosophies (Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism) and classical Western philosophies (such as Aristotelianism and Stoicism), to the four major religions, as well as contemporary philosophies (such as existentialism and effective altruism), each contributor offers a lively, personal account of how they find meaning in the practice of their chosen philosophical tradition.

Together, the pieces in How to Live a Good Life provide not only a beginner's guide to choosing a life philosophy but also a timely portrait of what it means to live an examined life in the twenty-first century.

A VINTAGE ORIGINAL

How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy

Introduction by Massimo Pigliucci, Skye C. Cleary, and Daniel Kaufman          

Group I: Ancient Philosophies from the East
1. Buddhism: Owen Flanagan (Duke University)    
2. Confucianism: Bryan W. Van Norden (Vassar College)          
3. Daoism: Robin R. Wang (Loyola Marymount University)     

Group II: Ancient Philosophies from the West      
4. Aristotelianism: Daniel A. Kaufman (Missouri State University)      
5. Stoicism: Massimo Pigliucci (City College of New York)      
6. Epicureanism: Hiram Crespo (Society of Friends of Epicurus)          

Group III: Religious Traditions  
7. Hinduism: Deepak Sarma (Case Western Reserve University)    
8. Judaism: Rabbi Barbara Block (Temple Israel, Springfield MO)      
9. Christianity: Alister McGrath (Oxford University)        
10. Progressive Islam: Adis Duderija (Griffith University, Australia)    
11. Ethical Culture: Anne Klaeysen (New York Society for Ethical Culture)          

Group IV: Modern Philosophies 
12. Existentialism: Skye C. Cleary (Columbia University and Barnard College)       
13. Pragmatism: John Kaag (University of Massachusetts Lowell) and Douglas
      Anderson (University of North Texas)
14. Effective Altruism: Kelsey Piper (Vox)   
15. Secular Humanism: John R. Shook (University of Buffalo) 

Conclusion