Read more
How do we, as individuals, accommodate a pessimistic and misanthropic view of the world? If the human condition is impossible to ameliorate, then how should we live? To bring about the wellbeing and happiness we seek, argues Cooper, requires a quietism that seeks refuge from the everyday human world in nature.
About the author
David E. Cooper is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Durham University, having previously taught at the universities of Oxford, London, Miami and Surrey. He has been a visiting professor at universities in the USA, Canada, Malta, South Africa, China and Sri Lanka. He has been president of the Aristotelian Society, chair of the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain, and chair of the Mind Association. His many books include Existentialism: A Reconstruction, World Philosophies: An Historical Introduction, The Measure of Things: Humanism, Humility and Mystery, Meaning, Convergence With Nature: A Daoist Perspective, Senses of Mystery: Engaging with Nature and the Meaning of Life, and Animals and Misanthropy. He has also written a number of novels and short stories.
Summary
How do we, as individuals, accommodate a pessimistic and misanthropic view of the world? If the human condition is impossible to ameliorate, then how should we live? To bring about the wellbeing and happiness we seek, argues Cooper, requires a quietism that seeks refuge from the everyday human world in nature.
