Philosophical traditions and schools of thought

"Om der er mening i tilværelsen eller der ingen mening er, det er egentlig det religiøse grundspørgsmål. ’Mening’ vil sige det samme som hensigt.Nu skal det jo være ganske forældet at tro på hensigtsårsager i naturen. Den moderne naturvidenskab, særlig Darwins udviklingslære, siges at have gjort ende på at såkaldt teleologi, et begreb, der af menigmand gerne forveksles med teologi på grund af navneligheden."Hvorfor er vi til? Sådan spørger filosof og forfatter Axel Dam i sit essay fra 1914. Hans overvejelser giver et spændende indblik i folkestemningen i året, hvor den første verdenskrig brød løs, hvor verden havde affundet sig med Darwins banebrydende teorier, og hvor det enkelte menneskes værdier og værdi var til stor diskussion.Axel Otto Markus Dam (1868-1936) var en dansk skolelærer, filosof, politiker og forfatter til en lang række bøger om børneopdragelse, pædagogik og filosofi. Axel Dam sad i en årrække i folketinget for Venstre og beskæftigede sig med nogle af datidens samfundsproblemer med udgangspunkt i sekulær etik og politisk filosofi.

"Alt det, som virker hårdt og ufølsomt, kan gøre hverdagen til en kølig oplevelse. Det er sikkert den vigtigste grund til, at kynismen ikke står øverst på listen over de ting, som vi elsker mest. Vi har det med at tage afstand fra den, der virker kynisk, og det er ikke nemt at skabe forståelse for hende eller ham. Prøver man alligevel, er der god chance for at blive misforstået – og selv blive stemplet som en af slagsen."Kynisme bliver ofte associeret med ufølsomhed, kulde og egoisme. I "Den barmhjertige kyniker" argumenterer filosof Per Betzonich-Wilken for, at der også er positive ting ved kynismen, der gør det nemmere at leve et mere autentisk liv. Kynisme og følsomhed behøver ikke udelukke hinanden, men kan til sammen gøre det mere muligt at være sig selv i en verden, det ellers er svært at navigere i."Den barmhjertige kyniker" er en filosofibog fyldt med råd og overvejelser, som langt de fleste vil kunne relatere til og bruge i deres dagligdag, livssyn og forhold til andre mennesker.Bogen er oprindeligt udgivet i 1992."Den bedste humor er en bred accept af livet med alle dets modsætninger og muligheder. I den forstand er bogen fuld af humor – og derfor ler man gerne og ofte undervejs. Kan man forlange mere af en bog, der oven i købet gør én en hel del klogere på sig selv?"Uffe Stenstrop, DRPer Betzonich-Wilken (f. 1957) er en dansk forfatter og filosof. Han er uddannet i filosofi, kommunikation og pædagogik ved universiteterne i København, Trier og Bochum og har udgivet en lang række bøger om filosofi og etik i social- og sundhedssektoren. Per Betzonich-Wilken har også udgivet romaner og artikler. Gennemgående for hans forfatterskab er, at filosofien bruges konkret i dagligdagen og det enkelte menneskes livsanskuelse, ikke blot som akademisk disciplin.

One of the earliest works of feminist philosophy, ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Woman’ argues that women should receive a rational education.A response to the educational and political theorists of the 18th century at the time, Wollstonecraft’s essay invites readers today to peak behind the scenes at the early fight for rights for women.Whilst the term ‘feminist’ did not emerge until years after the publication – and death of Wollstonecraft - ‘A Vindication’ remains today an influential step in the advocacy for women’s education and equal social status.A must-read for fans of Helena Bonham Carter and Carey Mulligan in Netflix’s acclaimed ‘Suffragette’ film.The founding feminist philosopher, Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was an English writer, philosopher, and advocate of women’s rights. Whilst her unconventional relationships attracted more attention that her writing at the time, Wollstonecraft is best known for ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Women’; a ground-breaking work arguing that women are not naturally inferior to men.Despite her posthumously published ‘Memoir’ overshadowing her writing career for almost a century, Wollstonecraft remains today an influential figure in the advocacy for women’s rights following the feminist movement at the turn of the 20th century. She died giving birth to her second daughter, Mary Shelly, the accomplished author of ‘Frankenstein’.

Данте е изгубен насред гората, а правилният път е все по-малко видим. Опитва да избяга от дивите зверове, които го нападат, но без успех. Търси прекия път към спасението, но напразно. Въпреки съпротивата Данте пропада и неговото пътуване през деветте кръга на Ада започва. Душата му го съпровожда и извървява тежкия път от греха към изкуплението. Свободата е далечен мираж и въпросът е дали Данте ще удържи на изкушенията и изпитанията и ще постигне своя мир.„Божествена комедия" е шедьовър в италианската и световна литература, а основната тема за двойнствеността на човешката душа, превръща произведението в представително не само за средновековния, но и за съвременния свят.Данте Алигиери е италиански поет, философ и политически теоретик, роден във Флоренция през 1265 год. Той е един от най-известните поети на Средновековието и неговият шедьовър „Божествена комедия" се счита за връхна точка в средновековната литература, представящ светогледа и вярванията на хората по това време. „Божествена комедия" и „Нов живот" са написани на народен език, наречен от Алигиери италиански. Езикът на Алигиери е смесица от местни диалекти и латински и се противопоставя на дотогавашната практика за писане на чист латински. Народният език на Данте Алигиери прави литературата достъпна за повечето хора и поставя основи за развитието на съвременния италиански език, заради което заслужено Данте Алигиери е наричан „баща на италианския език".

"En rose er lige skøn i dag, enten den i morgen skal visne eller ej. Der er mange aforismer og digte, som udtrykker denne tanke, at værdien (i hvert fald skønhedsværdien) ikke ligger i varigheden eller beror på varigheden. Det enkelte øjebliks rigdom på skønhed og liv er hvad det er, uafhængig af, hvad senere øjeblikke vil bringe. Et rigt og spændende liv er et rigt og spændende liv, selv om det ender med en katastrofe.""Livets værdiproblemer" består af en lang række forelæsninger, som filosof og forfatter Axel Dam afholdt på Københavns Universitet i 1920. Det er de helt store spørgsmål om meningen med livet, der tages op til overvejelse i de spændende tekster.Axel Otto Markus Dam (1868-1936) var en dansk skolelærer, filosof, politiker og forfatter til en lang række bøger om børneopdragelse, pædagogik og filosofi. Axel Dam sad i en årrække i folketinget for Venstre og beskæftigede sig med nogle af datidens samfundsproblemer med udgangspunkt i sekulær etik og politisk filosofi.

Voici là un texte majeur de la philosophie occidentale, et le point de départ de presque toutes les réflexions de notre ère, celui que constitue « la philosophie première ».C'est dans cet ouvrage qu'a été rédigé la toute première histoire de la philosophie, une tâche délicate qui consiste pour Aristote à délier ce que ses contemporains jugeaient indissociable, « la philosophie » et « la philo­sophie de Platon », et à faire de cette discipline indispensable un programme à suivre pour toutes les générations futures.Mais c'est aussi dans ce livre que se trouve exprimée la célèbre idée selon laquelle l'étonnement est à l'origine de la philosophie et des découvertes du monde ; car comme n'importe quel enfant, « tous les hommes désirent naturellement connaître » ; aussi ne tardons pas à nous étonner de la science, de la philosophie, et d'un Aristote prolifique.Aristote (384-322 avant notre ère) est l’un des philosophes les plus influents qu'ait jamais connu l’Histoire. Mais s’il est souvent considéré comme tel, il est aussi l'un des rares penseurs à avoir abordé presque tous les domaines de connaissance : biologie, physique, métaphysique, logique, poétique, politique, rhétorique, éthique, économie… Parmi ses ouvrages les plus connus on retrouve : « Métaphysique », « De l'Âme », « La Poétique »...

‘400 Quotations from the Great Philosophers of the 17th Century’ features the unparalleled wit and wisdom of some of the 17th century’s greatest philosophers, including Voltaire and Montesquieu.These great minds are responsible for some of the most famous quotes in the world, and their influence continues to this day. Guaranteed to educate and entertain, ‘400 Quotations from the Great Philosophers of the 17th Century’ is a hand-picked collection ideal for those needing a bit of extra philosophical guidance.Charles-Louis de Secondat Montesquieu (1689-1755) was a French historian and political philosopher, famous for his work ‘The Spirit of Law’ which influenced the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.Voltaire (1694-1778) was a French enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher famous for his novella ‘Candide’. He famously criticised Christianity and slavery and advocated for freedom of speech and the separation of church and state.Baruch Spinoza (1635-1677) was a leading philosophical figure of the Dutch Golden Age and wrote the influential ‘Ethics’.Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a French mathematician, philosopher, and writer. His two most famous works are ‘The Lettres Provinciales’ and ‘The Pensées’.

Den græske filosof Epikur blev født i 341 f.Kr. på den græske ø Samos og flyttede som ganske ung til Athen, hvor han med sine nyskabende ideer kom til at spille en stor rolle. Hans tanker om venskabets betydning og fælles nydelse af måltider og andre jordnære glæder fik ham og hans tilhængere til at virke mærkelige for nogle af athenerne, mens andre hurtigt lod sig overbevise. Frederiks Poulsens lille bog ”Fra Epikurs have” giver en spændende indføring i Epikurs tanker om, hvad et godt liv består af.Bogen er oprindeligt udgivet i 1948.Poul Frederik Sigfred Poulsen (1876-1950) var en dansk forfatter og klassisk arkæolog, der i en lang årrække var direktør for Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Han var internationalt anerkendt for sin forskning i arkæologi og sine utallige videnskabelige værker. Også hos den brede befolkning gjorde han stor lykke med sine fortællinger og levende og muntre skildringer af rejser til blandt andet Grækenland, Spanien, England og forskellige danske egne. Frederik Poulsen opnåede mange udmærkelser i både Danmark og udlandet og var blandt andet Dannebrogsmand, Kommandør af 1. grad af Dannebrog og æresdoktor ved universitetet i Bordeaux.

"Better to reign in Hell than to serve in Heaven."It's the classic temptation - power. And these are the words John Milton puts on the forked tongue of the serpent when it speaks to Adam and Eve.We know how it ends - an apple, nakedness and banishment.But in 'Paradise Lost', Milton turns a few Bible verses into a true epic. In 10,000 lines of beautiful but dark verse, he tells the parallel stories of Satan and of Adam and Eve.With greed, temptation, lust, sex, deception, shame and much more, it is a classic whose themes are as relevant and alluring today as ever before.John Milton (1608-1674) was almost 60 when he produced his masterpiece, 'Paradise Lost'.He was an English poet who served as a civil servant under Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century. Before this, he was considered a dangerous radical as he published rebellious pamphlets during the reign of Charles I.A famed republican, his work 'Areopagitica' was a scorching condemnation of pre-publication censorship.The Restoration of Charles II saw Milton marginalised from 1660. He died blind and impoverished.

‘An Essay Concerning Human Understanding’ is philosopher John Locke's pioneering examination of the origins of human knowledge and understanding. First published in 1690, it set the agenda for modern philosophy and influenced psychology and political theory.‘An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Volume One,’ covers Locke’s attempts to discover where our ideas come from, what it means to have an idea and what an idea actually is.He also discusses theories on free will and personal identity, outlining the notion of the blank slate at birth or tabula rasa, which is then filled in by experience of the world.Regarded as Locke’s most powerful and important philosophical work, ‘An Essay on Human Understanding’ still resonates today.John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher and political theorist, whose work built the foundations of modern liberalism, political theory and economics. Commonly known as the "Father of Liberalism" he is widely regarded as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers.Locke’s ideas on ‘identity’ and ‘self’ and the notion we are born with a ‘blank slate’, helped shape the work of philosophers such as Kant, Rousseau and Voltaire, while his essays on religious tolerance were an early model for the separation of church and state.The American Declaration of Independence was influenced by Locke’s political ideas on government, creating the foundation for the freedoms enjoyed by Americans today.

‘An Essay Concerning Human Understanding’ is philosopher John Locke's pioneering examination of the origins of human knowledge and understanding. First published in 1690, it set the agenda for modern philosophy and influenced psychology and political theory.In ‘An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Volume Two’ Locke discusses our use of language and its imperfections. He talks of the ‘Abuse of Words’ and laments the creation of words with no distinct meaning.The book also covers Locke’s ideas on truth, judgement, probability, enthusiasm and reason. His radical theories on the nature of human knowledge and where it comes from went on to change the face of philosophy.Regarded as Locke’s most powerful and important philosophical work, ‘An Essay on Human Understanding’ still resonates today.John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher and political theorist, whose work built the foundations of modern liberalism, political theory and economics. Commonly known as the "Father of Liberalism" he is widely regarded as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers.Locke’s ideas on ‘identity’ and ‘self’ and the notion we are born with a ‘blank slate’, helped shape the work of philosophers such as Kant, Rousseau and Voltaire, while his essays on religious tolerance were an early model for the separation of church and state.The American Declaration of Independence was influenced by Locke’s political ideas on government, creating the foundation for the freedoms enjoyed by Americans today.

Immanuel Kant’s ‘Critique of Pure Reason’ (1781/1787) is the German philosopher’s best-known work. A controversial book of it’s time, Kant sought to determine the limits of metaphysics.In this ground-breaking work, Kant redefines our understanding of epistemology by combining two opposing philosophical theories: rationalism and empiricism.For anyone who was inspired by the character Chidi's love of Kant in Netflix's 'The Good Place', ‘Critique of Pure Reason’ is as innovative as it is interesting and a must-read for all philosophy enthusiasts.Immanuel Kant (1724 – 1804) was a German philosopher and a key Enlightenment theorist who continues to be a prominent influence in Western philosophy. Raised in a pious household with devout parents, Kant quickly became known for his work in ethics and metaphysics. He is best known for his works ‘Critique of Pure Reason’ (1781/1787) and ‘Critique of Judgement’ (1790). Kant’s legacy has had far reaching impacts, influencing notable figures such as Carl Jung, Noam Chomsky and Albert Einstein. Kant’s final days were portrayed in the slapstick comedy ‘The Last Days of Immanuel Kant’ (1996) starring Buster Keaton and Jacques Tati.

Plongez au coeur de la pensée spirituelle islamique avec 100 citations et proverbes soufi. Des enseignements des grands maîtres et des poètes mystiques, Al-Alawi, Attar, Ibn Arabi, Kharaqânî, Rûmî et bien d'autres, aux proverbes et enseignements anonymes, dépositaires de la sagesse de générations : chaque citation est une ouverture vers la transformation personnelle et une entrée en profondeur dans la sagesse des plus grands initiés.

Plongez au coeur de la pensée taoïste avec cent citations de Lao Tseu, Lie Tseu et Tchouang Tseu. Le taoïsme est un des piliers de la pensée chinoise, et se fonde sur l'existence du Tao, principe à l'origine de toutes choses. Sa pensée s'enracine dans les enseignements de ces trois grands maîtres, et s'exprime par des pratiques qui ont marqué tout l'extrême-Orient, puis l'Occident à partir du XXe siècle. L'éveil peut être déclenché par une rencontre, une idée ou une réalisation ; ces cent citations sont autant d'occasions de découvertes transformatrices.

Saint Augustin dans 'Les confessions' décrit sa conversion au christianisme avec une sincérité qui vaut plus que beaucoup de biographies. Le jeune Augustin est attiré par la philosophie, et se rapproche des mouvements manichéens, avant de se tourner vers le néo-platonisme, mais c'est sous l'influence de la pensée de saint Ambroise qu'il décide de devenir prêtre. Ecrivain fécond et actif, il déploie une intense activité de prédicateur, d'organisateur des communautés et de lutte contre les hérésies. La doctrine d'Augustin, qu'il développe notamment dans " De la patience ", s'appuie sur la foi en Dieu mais ne combat pas la raison. Elle est une méditation de l'intelligence sur la création, le bien et la vertu. Les livres de saint Augustin sont de nos jours surtout lus par les esprits ouverts et laïcs qui souhaitent réfléchir sur le sens de leur vie.

Dive into the timeless wisdom and insight with 100 captivating quotes by the legendary philosopher Aristotle.From ethics and politics to science and metaphysics, Aristotle's profound teachings span the breadth of human knowledge and offer timeless guidance for a meaningful life.These carefully selected quotes are a testament to the enduring relevance of Aristotle's philosophy, reminding us to always question and contemplate.Aristotle (384 – 322 B.C.E) is one of the most well-known Ancient Greek philosophers, impacting the development of Western philosophical thought.

La Lettre à Ménécée est une lettre écrite par le philosophe Épicure à son disciple Ménécée. Le texte résume la doctrine éthique d'Épicure et propose une méthode pour atteindre le bonheur, en même temps qu'elle en précise les conditions. Avec la Lettre à Hérodote et la Lettre à Pythoclès, la Lettre à Ménécée fait partie des rares textes d'Épicure qui sont parvenus jusqu'aux temps modernes. Jusqu'à la publication en 1888 de maximes issues d'un manuscrit du Vatican, la retranscription de Diogène Laërce constitue l'intégral du corpus attribué à Épicure. La Lettre à Ménécée est ainsi l'une des seules sources concernant la pensée d'Épicure sur les sujets dont elle traite, la plupart des œuvres de l'auteur ayant été perdues. Épicure annonce que la philosophie est la médecine de l'âme, et qu'on peut la pratiquer à tout âge. Il propose également un quadruple remède pour se soigner des maux de la condition humaine, à savoir : Les dieux ne sont pas à craindre, La mort n'est pas à craindre, On peut atteindre le bonheur, On peut supprimer la douleur. Des principes de vie pour être heureux qui si sont toujours aussi pertinents aujourd'hui.

Ce livre audio vous permettra de vous initier à la vie et à l'oeuvre de Platon, l'un des plus grands philosophes. Fils d'une famille de l'aristocratie athénienne, Platon semblait être destiné à occuper des responsabilités politiques de tout premier ordre. Mais sa rencontre avec Socrate bouleverse ces plans. A la mort du maître, il se consacre, via l'écriture et l'Académie qu'il fonde en 387, à la transmission de la pensée novatrice de Socrate. Dans la période troublée que vit Athènes à cette époque, Socrate avait mis en garde les Athéniens contre leur ignorance, l'injustice et l'amoralité de leur société. La première partie de l'œuvre de Platon est constituée de dialogues sur le procès et les derniers jours de la vie de Socrate (' Apologie de Socrate', 'Criton'). Dans les dialogues socratiques, tel 'Phédon' on découvre la méthode dialectique de Socrate grâce à laquelle on se détache des idées reçues, de la certitude naïve et qu'on approche par la connaissance des Idées de la vertu. Si d'autres témoignages, de Xénophon ou Aristophane viennent parfois infirmer ceux de Platon, l'analyse platonicienne reste un pilier de toute la philosophie occidentale.

La pensée de Confucius est si forte qu'elle domina la vie intellectuelle de la Chine ancienne pendant des siècles, allant jusqu'à constituer une véritable religion, le confucianisme. Lao-tsu (Laozi, Lao-tzu, ou Lao Tseu) est l'auteur du Tao Te Ching (Livre de la Voie et de la Vertu), et fut le père fondateur du taoïsme. C'est à lui qu'on doit le sens des équilibres yin et yang, le principe du non-agir, et l'idée du Tao, à l'origine de toutes choses. Siddharta Gautama était né prince ; dégoûté des illusions matérielles, il parcourut un temps le chemin de l'ascétisme, avant de se rendre compte que la négation du corps n'était qu'une autre des illusions de la conscience. C'est alors qu'il atteint l'éveil, ce qui lui valut son surnom de Bouddha, "l'Eveillé" ; il devait ensuite mettre sa sagesse en enseignements. Ensemble, ce sont les trois figures fondamentales de la pensée chinoise, terre de sagesse et d'éveil ; leurs enseignements ont été rassemblés sous forme de citations, cent par auteur, pour se les approprier avec efficacité sur le chemin du développement personnel.

The Old Testament is the foundation of the Scripture. It is the first and most ancient section of the Christian Bible; it tells of the law and history of the Israelites, encloses treasures of poetry and wisdom, along with powerful prophecy. We have selected for you 100 quotes which will provide answers to your innermost questions, accompany you in faith, give you food for thought, and offer you wisdom and references to inspire you in your daily life. Enjoy these sacred pearls of wisdom taken from all the books of the Old Testament, let them inspire you and put them to use in your personal journey.

Lao Tsu, also known as Lao Tzu or Laozi, is an ancient Chinese philosopher and sage, and an absolutely central figure in Asiatic culture. He is known as the author of the Tao Te Ching or Daodejing and the founder of Taoism. In traditional China, Taoism is a way of living in harmony with the Tao, "way", "path", or "principle", something that is both the source of, and the force behind, everything that exists. Throughout history, Laozi's work has been embraced by various anti-authoritarian movements, because his style is designed to elicit critical thinking through ambiguousness. We have selected for you 500 of his most profound quotes, to guide you through meditation, and help you approach the Path as you delve into the Old Master's philosophy.

" De la vie heureuse " est un traité de sagesse, intemporel et universel. Il a été écrit par Sénèque comme un dialogue avec un interlocuteur imaginaire, vers 58 après Jésus Christ. Son principal objet est de montrer que le bonheur n'est pas matériel, mais naît d'une vie en accord avec la vertu et la raison (selon les préceptes du stoïcisme). Sénèque nous livre sa philosophie du bonheur et de la sagesse : comment atteindre " ce que nous devons chercher " (la vie heureuse), puis " comment nous pouvons l'atteindre le plus rapidement ".

‘600 Quotations from the Great 18th Century Writers’ is a collection of inspiring thoughts and reflections from six of the greatest literary minds of all time.During this time, society was experiencing a cultural upheaval, with more emphasis being placed on happiness and the pursuit of knowledge.While these quotes might be over 200 years old, they bear as much relevance today as they did when they were first coined.A superb read for dipping in and out of.Born in Geneva, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 – 1778) was a spearhead in the European Enlightenment movement. Montesquieu (1689 – 1755) was a Frenchman, whose writing had a huge influence on political systems. Also born in France, Denis Diderot (1713 – 1784) was a writer and central figure in the Age of Enlightenment.Scottish economist, Adam Smith (1723 – 1790) wrote treatises on morality and economics. German physicist, Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742 – 1799) satirised superstition and wrote extensively about natural phenomena. Pierre Beaumarchais (1732 – 1799) was a French playwright, spy, diplomat, and watchmaker.

‘600 Quotations from French Philosophy’ is a collection of thoughts and reflections from six of the greatest French thinkers of all time.France’s influence on Western philosophy cannot be understated, from the Age of Enlightenment through to the founding of modern philosophy.Many of these quotes have as much resonance today as they did when they were first coined.Superb for dipping in and out of, there are more than a few thoughts in this book worth memorising, and even more that are sure to inspire.Montesquieu (1689 – 1755) was born in Aquitaine, and his writing had a huge influence on political systems. Voltaire (1694 – 1778), a Parisian, was one of the founders of the French Enlightenment movement. Born in Langres, Denis Diderot (1713 – 1784) was a writer and another important figure in the Age of Enlightenment.Gaston Bachelard (1884 – 1962) was born in Bar-sur-Aube and went on to become an important scientific philosopher. Born in Geneva, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 – 1778) was a spearhead in the European Enlightenment movement. Blaise Pascal (1623 – 1662) was born in Clermont-Ferrand and is best remembered as a fideistic philosopher.

´100 Quotes by Marcel Proust’ is a compendium of thoughts, observations, and reflections by one of France’s greatest writers.Pithy, witty, barbed, but often touching and thoughtful, readers will discover another dimension to this noted novelist, most famous for his novel ´In Search of Lost Time´.His philosophy mainly focused on how people should be appreciative of their circumstances.A superb book for dipping in and out of, this will make a welcome addition to any book collection.Considered to be one of the most important writers of the 20th century, Valentin Louis Georges Eugène Marcel Proust (1871 – 1922) was born in Paris. The son of a notable physician and epidemiologist, he was educated at the Lycée Condorcet.Proust’s sexuality was the subject of much speculation, and although he never confirmed it, he explored the subject of homosexuality in many of his works, including ‘In Search of Lost Time.’Some of his works have found themselves adapted for film, such as ‘Swann in Love,’ starring Jeremy Irons, while the writer himself was to be lampooned by the comedy troupe Monty Python.

‘150 Quotes by Friedrich Nietzsche: Great Philosophers & Their Inspiring Thoughts’ is a collection of reflections and ideas by one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen.Sometimes poetic, often ironic, and always incisive, these quotes are taken from various periods in Nietzsche’s life and give an insight into the way his ideas formed and solidified.A superb book for dipping in and out of, and ideal for anyone with an interest in the human condition.Born in Röcken, Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 – 1900) would grow to become one of the leading figures in the worlds of philosophy and modern thought. An outstanding pupil throughout his childhood, he later went on to the University of Leipzig.Despite not having finished his dissertation or his degree, Nietzsche’s progress was such that his classics professor recommended him for a professorship at the University of Basel. However, the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War cut his teaching career short.Between 1879 and 1889, Nietzsche lived as a virtual recluse, devoting himself to writing. His most famous work, ‘Thus Spake Zarathustra’ established him as one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th Century.

‘100 Quotes by Heraclitus of Ephesus’ is a superb read for those with an interest in philosophy or the human condition.Insightful, esoteric, and incisive, 21st-century readers will be taken with the relevance of observations made more than 2,500 years ago.Whether you’re looking for philosophical inspiration or to further your self-development, this is a superb book for dipping in and out of.While Heraclitus of Ephesus (535BC – 475BC) might be one of the more enigmatic figures in Greek philosophy, his impact is no less profound. From what we know, he was one of the pioneers of the idea of an ‘ordered universe,’ but was equally preoccupied with the concept of equality between all people.However, it was his focus on the balance between the elements that was to be his critical undoing. Heraclitus’ belief that each element has its place in the order of things may have made him unpopular with the cognoscenti, but it also paved the way for those following in his philosophical footsteps, such as Socrates and Plato.

‘100 Quotes by Lao Tseu’ is a collection of thoughts and reflections by one of the most influential figures in Chinese philosophy.Thoughtful, reflective, and with a focus on personal development, his ideas are food for any hungry soul.An ideal read for those with an interest in philosophy, this book is superb for dipping in and out of, particularly if you’re in search of a drop of practical wisdom.Commonly referred to as the ‘Old Master,’ Lao Tseu (4th century) is thought to have been born in the Hu district, part of the Henan province. What little is known about him suggests that he was a court astrologer and historian under the Zhou dynasty.According to legend, Tseu met Confucius and accused him of being too arrogant and ambitious. Subsequently, Confucius hailed him as something close to a dragon, seeing the world from above the clouds.Tseu’s travels are equally shrouded in mythology, with many stating that he travelled to the pass separating the Wei valleys and the Yellow River. There, he was challenged to write a book, by the guardian, Yinxi. The result was the ‘Daodejing,’ Tseu’s thoughts on the purpose and fulfilment of life.

L'idéalisme est un courant philosophique majeur, qui prit racine avec Platon et s'épanouit dans la philosophie allemande autour de Kant et Schopenhauer. Le monde dans lequel nous vivons est fait de l'ensemble de nos représentations, qui ne peuvent se constituer ailleurs que dans notre esprit même ; le reconnaître, c'est quitter une conception naïve de la réalité et atteindre une compréhension lucide de ce qu'il y a de plus fondamental dans notre expérience. Cette collection de 300 citations a été pensée pour rassembler les idées et découvertes les plus marquantes des trois figures majeures de l'idéalisme. Platon et son idée du Souverain Bien que l'on ne connaît qu'à travers ses expressions sur le mur de la caverne, et jamais en lui-même ; Emmanuel Kant, avec ses découvertes sur les catégories de l'entendement et la structure de la raison ; et Arthur Schopenhauer, le célèbre auteur du Monde comme Volonté et Représentation : ensemble, ces trois grands philosophes construisent une conception du monde révolutionnaire, ici dans un format essentiel et accessible à tous.

‘300 Quotations from the Stoic Philosophers’ is a collection of insightful, educational, and inspiring quotes from some of the greatest ever Stoic philosophers, such as Epictetus, Seneca the Younger, and Marcus Aurelius.Founded in Athens in the 3rd century BC, Stoicism is a school of philosophy which centres around the belief that the practice of virtue is both necessary and sufficient to achieve happiness.Stoicism remains an important and influential school of thought, thus making this collection highly relevant for people who need some extra philosophical guidance.Marcus Aurelius (121–180) was a Roman philosopher and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, the golden age of Roman peace and imperialism.Epictetus (50-135 AD), was an Ancient Greek philosopher born into slavery.Seneca the Younger (4 BC – 65 AD) was a Roman philosopher, statesman, and dramatist. As a writer, he is best known for plays such as ‘Medea’, ‘Thyestes’, and ‘Phaedra’.