The Reason of Things

By A.C. Grayling

Book Overview

The follow-up to THE MEANING OF THINGS which continues A.C. Grayling's philosophical journey through life

The most important question we can ask ourselves is: what kind of life is the best? This is the same as asking: How does one give meaning to one's life? How can one justify one's existence and make it worthwhile?
How does one make experience valuable, and keep growing and learning in the process - and through this learning acquire a degree of understanding of oneself and the world?

A civilised society is one which never ceases debating with itself about what human life should best be. Some would, with justice, say that if we want ours to be such a society we must all contribute to that discussion.
This book is, with appropriate diffidence, such a contribution. It consists of a collection of Grayling's regular 'Last Word' columns in the Guardian. This time topics include Suicide, Deceit, Luxury, Profit, Marriage, Meat-eating, Liberty, Slavery, Protest, Guns and War.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0753817136
• ISBN13: 9780753817131
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Phoenix
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.1" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

An Excellent Text For The Classroom

I teach the A-level General Paper and encounter much difficulty at attempting to engage students to discuss issues which are theme-based. This book is an excellent resource for me to get students to express their viewpoints as they read and respond to the chapters in this delightful collection of Grayling's work. Most of the chapters are quite accessible to 17/18-year old students, even though English Language is not their native language. This is by far the most accessible title amongst those in the series by Grayling. Highly recommended for the casual reader as well.

Same text; different title

Grayling's succinct philosophizing is always insightful, informed, and persuasive. It needs to be noted, however, that this title contains exactly the same text as Grayling's "The Reason of Things" (Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 2002; Orion Books/Phoenix, 2003).

Grayling's Gray Matter

I won't deny I'm somewhat biased, but Grayling is an excellent writer and these essays are stunningly stimulating food for thought. Though I might suggest it be read in bed, after reading it you may just wish to get up and walk off the meal.

Relevant reflections on a much-changed world

This collection of essays is extraordinary and very thought provoking. Some of them are more interesting than others but in general, they make the reader think about a vast set of idea without trying to change his or her opinion. It is written with a lot of skill. As far as the criticism in other reviews regarding "attacks on God" and "calling people that believe in God uneducated", reader beware! The author is not directly attacking God nor doubting his existence but rather pinpoints institutionalized religion, which in my opinion IS one of the roots of evil in the world right now. Al-Qaeda? Extreme Islam? Child molesting by Catholic priests? Jews and Palestines killing each other mercilessly? Bush's conservative and discriminatory Christian-right agenda? Need I say more???I could go on and on about all the thoughts and ideas this book provokes. Without a doubt, the essay on MEAT is the most powerful one. It presents many ugly realities that we choose not to see. Read this book and let yourself be compelled to think alternatively about life's issues.

Another Very Enjoyable Read

I moved directly to reading this book having enjoyed reading Graylings previous book, The Meaning of Things, and I wasn't disappointed.Given the brevity of the articles, sure they can't give you an in-depth discussion on the topic, but its just deep enough to get one thinking about the topics.I'm sure any reader of this book will take away some favourite sections. For me, the entries on Religion & Evil were particularly thought-provoking (no connection intended).I think this would be an excellent 'pocket-book' to dip into for anyone in their late teens trying to come to terms with the world.Only disappointment - no Bibliography, so when Grayling frequently quotes other Authors / Philosophers, I don't know where to go to for further reading; so now I'm trying to find a work by Midas Dekkers (from the entry on Decay).Grayling doesn't profess to be a Philosopher (contrary to what someone else wrote about him on the flyleaf) - but says that (a) he teaches Philosophy and (b) he studies Philosophy. He writes very well.