Daniel Klein (1) (1939–)

I bought this book for the title alone. That appears to be a quote from the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. Humor occupies a prominent place in the work of Daniel Klein (b. 1939), and that is also the case in this book. Starting from about 25 quotes, the author provides a brief introduction to philosophy, focusing on the question of how life is best lived. This kind of "practical philosophy" was once the core of philosophical thought, says Klein. Movements such as Epicureanism, Stoicism, Hedonism and so on are of course reviewed. But the author goes much wider, and also deeper, with even a bit of epistemology (how can we know?). Due to the many examples from his own life and the almost permanent humor, this booklet remains light and pleasant to read, but do not expect great, life-changing insights from it.… (meer)