Book Review: Live Like a Philosopher
What the Ancient Greeks and Romans Can Teach Us About Living a Happy Life
In Live Like a Philosopher (called Beyond Stoicism in the US edition of the book) authors Massimo Pigliucci, Gregory Lopez, and Meredith Alexander Kunz offer a refreshing and practical approach to ancient philosophy. Published in 2025, the book serves as a bridge between the wisdom of Greek and Roman thinkers and the challenges of modern life. Rather than treating philosophy as an abstract or purely academic subject, the authors bring it down to earth, showing how figures like Socrates, Aristotle, Epicurus, Protagoras, and the Cynics can still offer guidance in our fast-paced, often chaotic world.
A Well-Structured Journey Through Philosophy
One of the book’s most engaging aspects is its structure. Each chapter focuses on a particular philosophical school or figure, making the content digestible and easy to navigate. The authors succeed in balancing depth with accessibility—each section provides enough historical and theoretical background to be informative but never overwhelming.
For those unfamiliar with ancient philosophy, this structure is particularly useful. The book doesn’t assume prior knowledge, and even complex ideas are explained in a way that makes them easy to grasp. The chapters are also enriched with practical applications, which help readers not only understand the philosophy but also integrate it into their daily lives.
Philosophy in Action: Daily Exercises for Modern Life
What sets Live Like a Philosopher apart from many other books on philosophy is its emphasis on practice. At the end of each chapter, the authors provide daily exercises inspired by the teachings of that specific philosopher or school of thought. These exercises are designed to be applied in the real world—whether it’s reflecting on personal biases, simplifying one’s life, embracing uncertainty, or practicing mindful skepticism.
For example, the chapter on the Cynics encourages readers to re-evaluate societal norms, while the section on Protagoras provides exercises to explore relativism and different perspectives on truth. These exercises don’t feel like empty self-help advice; rather, they are grounded in historical thought and presented in a way that feels relevant to the 21st century.
A Philosophical Guide With a Sense of Humor
Another strength of the book is its light and engaging tone. Many philosophy books can feel dry or overly intellectual, but Live Like a Philosopher manages to blend humor with wisdom. The authors inject a sense of irony and playfulness into their writing, making even weighty philosophical discussions feel approachable.
This is especially evident in the chapters on the Sophists and the Cynics. I particularly enjoyed the section on Protagoras—I finally understand who some of the Sophists were! The Cynic chapter was another highlight, as it not only demystified a school of thought that is often misunderstood but also did so in a way that was both insightful and amusing.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Live Like a Philosopher is how well it connects ancient wisdom to contemporary life. The book acknowledges the complexities of our modern world—technological distractions, political uncertainty, and the overwhelming pace of life—and offers philosophy as a practical tool for navigating these challenges.
By integrating teachings from different schools, the authors show that there isn’t a single “right” way to live like a philosopher. Instead, readers are encouraged to explore different approaches, experiment with different perspectives, and adopt what works best for them. This flexibility makes the book particularly valuable for those looking to apply philosophy in a way that fits their own circumstances.
Live Like a Philosopher is a fantastic introduction to philosophy for those who want to go beyond theoretical discussions and actually apply philosophical principles to their lives. It is insightful, practical, and surprisingly entertaining. The book's well-structured chapters, engaging writing style, and daily exercises make it an excellent resource for both newcomers and those already familiar with ancient thought.
If you’re looking for a book that makes philosophy accessible, relevant, and even fun, Live Like a Philosopher is definitely worth reading.