Reviews

Aristotle's Way: How Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life by Edith Hall

asia88's review against another edition

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3.0

Edith Hall has summarised Aristotle's teachings into 10 topics. I feel that the book would be easier to digest if there could be sub-sections within each chapters.

chardmc1's review against another edition

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2.0

An earlier reviewer said it best when talking about a delicate balance between making Aristotle's work accessible and over-simplifying it to a point that its lost most of its value. Aristotle's Way proved to swing in the latter direction with a majority of the chapters lacking much depth in my opinion. It doesn't help that I'm far from a self-help book fan but that's exactly what this book is with the occasional quote from Aristotle to try and connect the two. Even as someone who isn't an Aristotle expert this book was far too simple and generic.

a_erives17's review

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4.0

Super beginner friendly for philosophy in general, a lot of good analysis of what Aristotle believed in and why.

broomgrass's review against another edition

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3.0

I took long breaks in reading this book, and I remember the first half being stronger than the latter sections on Leisure and Mortality (though I suspect someone already familiar with Aristotle might find it repetitive / shallow). I understand the reason for the inclusion of pop culture references, though they were often VERY brief, and the inclusion of personal anecdotes; however, for me, they took away from the focus of the work. At the same time, I don't know that I want to read an intense Aristotelian ethics book, so this was a nice in-between.

B convinced me to read this, as he sensed I was in one of my biannual self-help book phases and the book was by a woman scholar.

anukaz's review against another edition

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5.0

may have cried a lil at the end

fartmaster23's review

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emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

So much practical wisdom to your entire life, I loved it and I think more books ought to be written like this one.

123rsijrcl's review

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1.0

This book just... really sucks. I don’t know why, but Hall as a writer is distinctly off-putting (I’m sure she’s lovely in real life, but her little interjections of views and anecdotes come across as dull and insipid) and Aristotle’s teaching are used across such a broad spectrum that if there was any more of a reach we’d be calling in Mr. Fantastic.

martysuter's review

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4.0

This Aristotle guy has some pretty good ideas for living a good life ;-) Enjoyed the stroll down memory lane of Plato's star pupil, his ethics, and how they relate to modern living. Loved all the cross-references to classic Greek literature, too. The messages in this book have applicability for just about everyone....highly recommended!

liabeelity's review

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informative inspiring medium-paced

4.5

vickim's review

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4.0

An engaging read - taking Aristotle's philosophical concepts and applying them to the modern world.