Midlife cover art

Midlife

A Philosophical Guide

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Midlife

By: Kieran Setiya
Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne
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About this listen

Philosophical wisdom and practical advice for overcoming the problems of middle age.

How can you reconcile yourself with the lives you will never lead, with possibilities foreclosed, and with nostalgia for lost youth? How can you accept the failings of the past, the sense of futility in the tasks that consume the present, and the prospect of death that blights the future? In this self-help book with a difference, Kieran Setiya confronts the inevitable challenges of adulthood and middle age, showing how philosophy can help you thrive.

You will learn why missing out might be a good thing, how options are overrated, and when you should be glad you made a mistake. You will be introduced to philosophical consolations for mortality. And you will learn what it would mean to live in the present, how it could solve your midlife crisis, and why meditation helps.

Ranging from Aristotle, Schopenhauer, and John Stuart Mill to Virginia Woolf and Simone de Beauvoir, as well as drawing on Setiya's own experience, Midlife combines imaginative ideas, surprising insights, and practical advice. Writing with wisdom and wit, Setiya makes a wry but passionate case for philosophy as a guide to life.

©2017 Princeton University Press (P)2018 Tantor Aging & Longevity Ethics & Morality Personal Development Philosophy Wisdom

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Critic reviews

"A delightful amalgam of self-help and intellectual inquiry." ---The Economist
All stars
Most relevant  
A few aha moments that resonate with me but on the whole I’d prefer a more to the point abbreviated treatise than this tone

A few aha moments

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The reader’s tone made the author’s words sound a bit self-consciously clever and pleased with themselves, humble braggy perhaps. Didn’t really like the reader’s projected persona of the author.
The earlier chapters are more boring to listen to, but from chapter 6 I found value, especially in the light dismissal of the modern mindfulness movement and even the ancient - Buddhism.
In the end the philosophy is pragmatic: you’re a creature, you’re alive, your life is finite. I didn’t find any of the philosophical conceits that helpful - neither it seems does the author. Clever perhaps, but not stunning or profound.
However I found the message about focusing on the process of living, and its atelic nature, soothing. I think as we age the atelic aspects of life come more into focus, and that was interesting to reflect on.

Reader average; later chapters better

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Mid life can feel like an amorphous cloud. But this book helps give it structure. And practice you can follow. You still have to adjust your mindset, that is the work, but this shows you what ti aim for.

I’d suggest having your partner read it too if that factors into your life.

Perfect book if you are feeling the troubles of midlife

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Kieran Setiya's "Midlife" is a quick read on dealing with all that comes with entering midlife - ageing, fear of death and disappointment of unfulfilled dreams and potential.
It's an enjoyable and relaxing book with lots of interesting tidbits about various philosophers and their suggestions on not only surviving but thriving in midlife.

Quick and interesting.

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I really liked how sensible the advice to focus on atelic activities to process the anxiety over the life not lived, the choices not made as you reach middle age.

Thought provoking at 42

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I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook on my way to work for the past few weeks. It holds some really life changing advice and gives a wonderful philosophical interpretation of midlife and all it’s possible forms. I look forward to listening to it again!

Excellent read

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It would better to listen to an interview with him than reading the book. Found many of the example as copies from other books.

Nothing striking

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