The Book of Dead Philosophers

"To philosophize is to learn how to die." -Cicero; assassinated by order of Mark Antony "One who no longer is cannot suffer." -Lucretius; suicide, allegedly driven mad by a love potion "Life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." -Hobbes; died in bed, age 91 In this collection of brief lives (and deaths) of nearly two hundred of the world´s greatest thinkers, noted philosopher Simon Critchley creates a register of mortality that is tragic, amusing, absurd, and exemplary. From the self-mocking haikus of Zen masters on their deathbeds to the last words of Christian saints and modern-day sages, this irresistible book contains much to inspire both amusement and reflection. Informed by Critchley´s acute insight, scholarly intelligence, and sprightly wit, each entry tells its own tale, but collected together they add up to a profound and moving investigation of meaning and the possibility of happiness for us all.