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Travels with Epicurus: A Journey to a Greek Island in Search of a Fulfilled Life
Advice on achieving a fulfilling old age from one of the bestselling authors of Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . .After being advised by his dentist to get tooth implants, Daniel Klein decides to stick with his dentures and instead use the money to make a trip to the Greek island Hydra and discover the secrets of aging happily. Drawing on the inspiring lives of his Greek friends and philosophers ranging from Epicurus to Sartre, Klein uncovers the simple pleasures that are available late in life, as well as the refined pleasures that only a mature mind can fully appreciate.A travel book, a witty and accessible meditation, and an optimistic guide to living well, Travels with Epicurus is a delightful jaunt to the Aegean and through the terrain of old age that only a free spirit like Klein could lead.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
362 people are currently reading
3847 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Klein
88 books238 followersDaniel Klein is the co-author of the international bestseller Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar. He is a Harvard graduate in philosophy and an acclaimed writer of both fiction and nonfiction. When not enjoying the slow life on Greek islands, he lives in Massachusetts with his wife. He is seventy-five years old.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 560 reviews
August 28, 2024
Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.’ – Epicurus
I started this reading adventure from a recommendation by my friend, Barb.
She knew I was on a quest of personal discovery and shared one of the quotes in the book that got me to thinking about what I wanted for myself.
The quote said simply…Take more time, cover less ground. – Thomas Merton.
This was all it took.
How could I connect with that quote?
I first picked up the book at my local Library, but felt the need to want to keep this one for myself…so I ordered it, it arrived, and as expected, the book spoke to me.
This book is a short 160-page, well-written essay that is more philosophy than travel or memoir.
Other ways I experienced this book included receiving it as a delightful, meditative look at applying classical philosophy to daily life and a gentle, thoughtful book that embodies the joys of the well examined life.
Klein begins his odyssey with the insight that “Old age is ignored in this country,” with Americans needing to be “forever young” through many cosmetic, ‘must haves’ and “bucket lists” of things that must be done before death overtakes us.
“But something about this new philosophy of old age does not sit right with me,” he wrote, “I suspect that if I were to take this popularly accepted route, I would miss out on something deeply significant. … I am seriously concerned that on that route I would miss for eternity ever simply being authentically and contentedly old.”
Through honest reflection, Klein takes us on a philosophical journey towards finding the best way to live a life when "old" age dawns upon us.
As you can tell from what I shared above, after a thorough inspection of my own feelings and thoughts, I concluded that everything that I had read was relevant to me in all possible ways.
I can change the way I do things in order to extract maximum possible pleasures (Epicurean way!) and incorporate the ideology in my daily life that BEING ALIVE IS A PRIVILEGE IN ITSELF. And so it is.
And what did I do next?
I passed the book on to another friend.
Isn't that the best way to appreciate this book?
I started this reading adventure from a recommendation by my friend, Barb.
She knew I was on a quest of personal discovery and shared one of the quotes in the book that got me to thinking about what I wanted for myself.
The quote said simply…Take more time, cover less ground. – Thomas Merton.
This was all it took.
How could I connect with that quote?
I first picked up the book at my local Library, but felt the need to want to keep this one for myself…so I ordered it, it arrived, and as expected, the book spoke to me.
This book is a short 160-page, well-written essay that is more philosophy than travel or memoir.
Other ways I experienced this book included receiving it as a delightful, meditative look at applying classical philosophy to daily life and a gentle, thoughtful book that embodies the joys of the well examined life.
Klein begins his odyssey with the insight that “Old age is ignored in this country,” with Americans needing to be “forever young” through many cosmetic, ‘must haves’ and “bucket lists” of things that must be done before death overtakes us.
“But something about this new philosophy of old age does not sit right with me,” he wrote, “I suspect that if I were to take this popularly accepted route, I would miss out on something deeply significant. … I am seriously concerned that on that route I would miss for eternity ever simply being authentically and contentedly old.”
Through honest reflection, Klein takes us on a philosophical journey towards finding the best way to live a life when "old" age dawns upon us.
As you can tell from what I shared above, after a thorough inspection of my own feelings and thoughts, I concluded that everything that I had read was relevant to me in all possible ways.
I can change the way I do things in order to extract maximum possible pleasures (Epicurean way!) and incorporate the ideology in my daily life that BEING ALIVE IS A PRIVILEGE IN ITSELF. And so it is.
And what did I do next?
I passed the book on to another friend.
Isn't that the best way to appreciate this book?
April 14, 2016
A quaint little travelogue and meditation on aging. Klein is searching for an authentic old age here, a kind of capstone to a well-lived life and a space for reflection and appreciation before the dreaded old old age descends and robs the body and mind of their faculties. I found this slim book rather delightful. While not rigorous in the least, it was packed with tidbits of philosophy spanning - more or less - the whole of humanity. I think the main takeaway for me was that life's discrete stations should be respected and fully embodied; there's no point in trying to remain young as you age, and there's certainly no point in rushing some kind of grand reflection when you're still contending with the day-to-day of your productive years.
I'm only giving it three stars because it's not the kind of book that introduces new concepts. It's the kind of book you turn to for reminders, a kind of existential tune-up, if you will. Plus, it kind of falls on the shallow side of sentimentality. All in all, perfectly enjoyable.
If you liked this, make sure to follow me on Goodreads for more reviews!
I'm only giving it three stars because it's not the kind of book that introduces new concepts. It's the kind of book you turn to for reminders, a kind of existential tune-up, if you will. Plus, it kind of falls on the shallow side of sentimentality. All in all, perfectly enjoyable.
If you liked this, make sure to follow me on Goodreads for more reviews!
February 16, 2025
If you are looking for a travelogue book or a dive into Epicurean philosophy, this is not the book for you. I was snookered into buying this slim volume from a local used book store when the subtitle words of "A Journey to a Greek Island" jumped out at me. Visions of living vicariously with someone enjoying the slow warm sun-drenched life on a Greek island instead of being indoors avoiding the cold was very appealing. Once I realized that it wasn't quite what I thought, I settled down to enjoy the musings on various philosophical ideas about approaching & living in old age. Klein covers not only the ancient philosophers but the book is liberally smattered about with quotes from those throughout the centuries. The philosophy was easily digestible and laced with humorous anecdotes.
You would think something really momentous must have happened to Klein to make him leave his home in western Mass. to have packed up a trove of books & head to Hydros to ponder life as he has moved into his 70's. But no, it was just a visit to the dentist and the need to make a decision about implants versus dentures that sends him running and thinking how he wants to live the rest of his life. LOL. That was enough to take this walk with him.
One could probably read this in one sitting or two, I just dipped into it from week to week. I will keep for a re-read.
You would think something really momentous must have happened to Klein to make him leave his home in western Mass. to have packed up a trove of books & head to Hydros to ponder life as he has moved into his 70's. But no, it was just a visit to the dentist and the need to make a decision about implants versus dentures that sends him running and thinking how he wants to live the rest of his life. LOL. That was enough to take this walk with him.
One could probably read this in one sitting or two, I just dipped into it from week to week. I will keep for a re-read.
November 19, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip to a place that used to be on my bucket list, in a state of mind that I have visited often in my years of illness. The reminders of all the philosophers I loved and studied in my youth are more important than ever to me now. That's the part I really enjoyed.
Daniel Klein is fortunate that he has time, money, and health enough to take this journey and get it published. Yes, I'm jealous, to an extent, because it reminds me again of how the words of old men telling us how to live a better life comes from yet another privileged white male, at the same time as he casually takes it for granted that women will care for old men, in their own homes and hospitals and hospices. It reminds me again and again that I was the only woman in my Greek philosophy class, and was constantly harassed for it. I ended up dropping the course. Old men play games while his landlady also has to work to care for the only man in the hospice. She doesn't get to play in her old age. We know that she's older, because she has a daughter in Australia. It's just a reminder that women are still caretakers of men, playing out their years.
Daniel Klein is fortunate that he has time, money, and health enough to take this journey and get it published. Yes, I'm jealous, to an extent, because it reminds me again of how the words of old men telling us how to live a better life comes from yet another privileged white male, at the same time as he casually takes it for granted that women will care for old men, in their own homes and hospitals and hospices. It reminds me again and again that I was the only woman in my Greek philosophy class, and was constantly harassed for it. I ended up dropping the course. Old men play games while his landlady also has to work to care for the only man in the hospice. She doesn't get to play in her old age. We know that she's older, because she has a daughter in Australia. It's just a reminder that women are still caretakers of men, playing out their years.
February 8, 2018
Why would I pick up a book which is essentially an attempt to construct a sunny philosophy to deal with old age? Maybe because when I started reading it, I was having long conversations with my grandpa about his eighty years on earth, and I felt that it would be good to know what Epicurus had to say about living a fulfilling life... also because I like to secretly think of myself as a Stoic!
Anyway, this book is less about stoicism and more about Daniel Klien dealing with old age in a very accepting way. So he slings a bag filled with books around his shoulder, roams around the ancient mountain side roads of Greece, and has interesting conversations with locales about stuff, throwing philosophical references now and then. Not bad at all, breezy in fact, and one understands the value of patience he talks about, about how the element of play is removed from everything we do in this competitive world - yes, it makes sense, but the problem here is of timing, which is to say I am not at the right age to totally relate to this book. I understand it, but I can't feel it in my bones. Maybe grandpa could, but he wouldn't need to read it.
Anyway, this book is less about stoicism and more about Daniel Klien dealing with old age in a very accepting way. So he slings a bag filled with books around his shoulder, roams around the ancient mountain side roads of Greece, and has interesting conversations with locales about stuff, throwing philosophical references now and then. Not bad at all, breezy in fact, and one understands the value of patience he talks about, about how the element of play is removed from everything we do in this competitive world - yes, it makes sense, but the problem here is of timing, which is to say I am not at the right age to totally relate to this book. I understand it, but I can't feel it in my bones. Maybe grandpa could, but he wouldn't need to read it.
September 19, 2017
Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.
—EPICURUS
The first thing you learn about Epicurus is that he wasn't a great gourmand.
Epicurus preferred a bowl of plain boiled lentils to a plate of roasted pheasant
He knew that if he ate mindfully he would experience all of their flavor, flavor that rivals spicy food. The key is mindfulness not the food.
While this book may be enjoyed by all I think that it will only truly be appreciated by the old, and maybe not by a large number of those who are fighting against oldness. For me I'll come back to this book often. I'm not that old, I learned something new about Epicurus today.
August 30, 2021
nice. good companion when you sit in a small cafe in Greece drinking a strong coffee or better a small ouzo and watching the sea, mountains, people go by and joining the clever age when you realize that small pleasure things can be great than you join the long line of travelers from Epicurus till day. i think i am almost there.
July 17, 2016
Interesting, but not memorable.
May 26, 2021
I have to say I like this philosophy.
I'd really like to be one of the old men on the Greek Islands.lol
Very interesting and fun to read.
I'd really like to be one of the old men on the Greek Islands.lol
Very interesting and fun to read.
July 24, 2013
Travels with Epicurus is a wonderful read, written by a good humoured intellectual with a common touch and without condescension.
The book is no travelogue, no road trip, rather the travels are those through the history of philosphers taking a lead from the Greek Epicurus in ruminating on the joys, or otherwise, of achieving old age, and those of traversing through stages of life and accumulative experience.
The auther, David Klein, draws comparisons between friends of his in his homeland of USA who are caught up in forever retaining a lust for the fast life and tick list achievements, as well as bodily fitness associated with a more youthful visage, and those friends on the Greek island of Hydra who allow old age to settle comfortably upon them accepting a pace of life and comfort in their own skin.
Whilst many considered Epicurus' lifestyle to be hedonistic Klein prefers to explore the more gentle notions of living in the moment, social inclusion and environmental respect.
Klein uses the setting of Hydra as a backdrop to his writing and for beautiful literary illustration of many of the nuances of the philosphical espousals, not least in the slow pace of life and the apparent contentment of its residents.
Klein is able to mix and move among the people of Hydra as he has been visiting regularly since his youth, speaks enough Greek to converse and contribute, a very different scenario to pitching up out of the blue with no such background and social abilities.
I did not deduce that Klein is suggesting that simply living out ones days on a remote island with no land based mechanised transportation is the key to contented old age, rather when observing an eclectic bunch of old friends playing games and either animatedly talking or engaged in a reflective silence it is clear that these old men have already lived, worked hard, achieved, raised families, and now have the presence of mind to stretch out their days, enjoying each moment for its own sake, with good company, good food, with gratitude and respect for life and the moment.
What he seems to be noticing is a relative slowing of time in this phase of life he calls old age compared with others he sees cramming in bucket list experiences or lycra clad trying to turn back their internal clock. Klein doesn't judge, his own preferences are evident yet he is smart enough to recognise that everyone is entitled to their own version of happiness, rather he is meditating on the more is less concept where the crammers are accelerating time, fighting it, always wanting more, and the grizzly Greeks are in fact slowing time in a pleasurable existential love of the simple act of living.
What Klein really fears however is what he labels old old age with infirmity where these choices are removed.
It's a fascinating work, easily grasped, and thought provoking, and from a personal viewpoint introduced me to certain philosophical names and musings I had not been exposed to before.
Klein is not pretending to present new thinking, simply packaging others' writings and presenting his own meditations of their relativity to his own experiences and observations in an accessible and enjoyable manner to enhance prospects of enjoying old age before death or old old age takes the choice away.
I received Travels with Epicurus as a Goodread Giveway win and heartily recommend the book.
The book is no travelogue, no road trip, rather the travels are those through the history of philosphers taking a lead from the Greek Epicurus in ruminating on the joys, or otherwise, of achieving old age, and those of traversing through stages of life and accumulative experience.
The auther, David Klein, draws comparisons between friends of his in his homeland of USA who are caught up in forever retaining a lust for the fast life and tick list achievements, as well as bodily fitness associated with a more youthful visage, and those friends on the Greek island of Hydra who allow old age to settle comfortably upon them accepting a pace of life and comfort in their own skin.
Whilst many considered Epicurus' lifestyle to be hedonistic Klein prefers to explore the more gentle notions of living in the moment, social inclusion and environmental respect.
Klein uses the setting of Hydra as a backdrop to his writing and for beautiful literary illustration of many of the nuances of the philosphical espousals, not least in the slow pace of life and the apparent contentment of its residents.
Klein is able to mix and move among the people of Hydra as he has been visiting regularly since his youth, speaks enough Greek to converse and contribute, a very different scenario to pitching up out of the blue with no such background and social abilities.
I did not deduce that Klein is suggesting that simply living out ones days on a remote island with no land based mechanised transportation is the key to contented old age, rather when observing an eclectic bunch of old friends playing games and either animatedly talking or engaged in a reflective silence it is clear that these old men have already lived, worked hard, achieved, raised families, and now have the presence of mind to stretch out their days, enjoying each moment for its own sake, with good company, good food, with gratitude and respect for life and the moment.
What he seems to be noticing is a relative slowing of time in this phase of life he calls old age compared with others he sees cramming in bucket list experiences or lycra clad trying to turn back their internal clock. Klein doesn't judge, his own preferences are evident yet he is smart enough to recognise that everyone is entitled to their own version of happiness, rather he is meditating on the more is less concept where the crammers are accelerating time, fighting it, always wanting more, and the grizzly Greeks are in fact slowing time in a pleasurable existential love of the simple act of living.
What Klein really fears however is what he labels old old age with infirmity where these choices are removed.
It's a fascinating work, easily grasped, and thought provoking, and from a personal viewpoint introduced me to certain philosophical names and musings I had not been exposed to before.
Klein is not pretending to present new thinking, simply packaging others' writings and presenting his own meditations of their relativity to his own experiences and observations in an accessible and enjoyable manner to enhance prospects of enjoying old age before death or old old age takes the choice away.
I received Travels with Epicurus as a Goodread Giveway win and heartily recommend the book.
February 22, 2013
Travels with Epicurus. A journey to a Greek Island in search of a Fulfilled life by Daniel Klein
The author had an epiphany after being offered dental implants at 73 and started to question what it meant to be an authentic old man who was aware about how much full conscious and rational life he had left. he would want to use that time in the best way possible.
With lots of questions and not many answers, he takes off to the Greek island of Hydra with a suitcase of philosophy books.
Chapter 1. The old greek's olive trees. On Epicurus's philosophy of fulfilment.
Epicurus grew up on the Aegean island of Samos close to Asia Minor. born in 341BC he did not believe in an afterlife and focused his studies in the service of one question - how does one make the most of one's life? His answer was that the best possible life one could live is a happy one, a life filled with pleasure. but of course this was only a staring point because then you have to define what constitutes a happy life. some Athenians saw Epicurus and his idea of personal pleasure and self-interest as a threat to social altruism and good citizenship. in fact Epicurus created an open and equal community of radical egalitarianism of both gender and social class.
In our modern culture there seems to be a completely contrasting opinion, where the older generation strive to set new goals and keep young though medical practices or travel or intellectual pursuit. no long afternoons sitting with friends or listening to music or musing about the story of our lives. and we will never get another chance for that.
Epicurus recommended that 'we free ourselves from the prison of everyday affairs and politics' which predates the relentless commercial pressure to buy more and more technology and stuff that we do not really need. he would fit perfectly into the hippy get by on nothing lifestyle which is such a challenge.
Chapter 2. On time and worry beads.
Chapter 3. Solitary reflection.
Chapter 4. On Existential Authenticity. including a very practical discussion about sexuality and libido and the older man.
Chapter 5. On Mellowing to Metaphysics.
Chapter 6. On Stoicism an Old Old Age.
Chapter 7. On the timeliness of Spirituality.
Epilogue. Returning Home. On a mindful old age.
Each chapter of the book is an ensemble of personal memories of special moments blended with academic works written by well respected theorists on that chapter's topic.
And it is a joy. Personal and universal. And a wonderful evocation of the Greek spirit of life and love and passion for life and people.
Yes, there are many who would say that the conclusions are common sense and that this book reflects the current obsession we have to navel gaze and treat our lives as academic subjects to be examined ad nauseam.
But it is a brave thing to go against the western world’s youth obsessed culture and recommend the simply life where the relentless pursuit of commerce and possessions is all consuming.
If you want an alternative view of how to seize the moment – read this book.
This book was obtained from NetGalley in exchange for an open and honest review.
The author had an epiphany after being offered dental implants at 73 and started to question what it meant to be an authentic old man who was aware about how much full conscious and rational life he had left. he would want to use that time in the best way possible.
With lots of questions and not many answers, he takes off to the Greek island of Hydra with a suitcase of philosophy books.
Chapter 1. The old greek's olive trees. On Epicurus's philosophy of fulfilment.
Epicurus grew up on the Aegean island of Samos close to Asia Minor. born in 341BC he did not believe in an afterlife and focused his studies in the service of one question - how does one make the most of one's life? His answer was that the best possible life one could live is a happy one, a life filled with pleasure. but of course this was only a staring point because then you have to define what constitutes a happy life. some Athenians saw Epicurus and his idea of personal pleasure and self-interest as a threat to social altruism and good citizenship. in fact Epicurus created an open and equal community of radical egalitarianism of both gender and social class.
In our modern culture there seems to be a completely contrasting opinion, where the older generation strive to set new goals and keep young though medical practices or travel or intellectual pursuit. no long afternoons sitting with friends or listening to music or musing about the story of our lives. and we will never get another chance for that.
Epicurus recommended that 'we free ourselves from the prison of everyday affairs and politics' which predates the relentless commercial pressure to buy more and more technology and stuff that we do not really need. he would fit perfectly into the hippy get by on nothing lifestyle which is such a challenge.
Chapter 2. On time and worry beads.
Chapter 3. Solitary reflection.
Chapter 4. On Existential Authenticity. including a very practical discussion about sexuality and libido and the older man.
Chapter 5. On Mellowing to Metaphysics.
Chapter 6. On Stoicism an Old Old Age.
Chapter 7. On the timeliness of Spirituality.
Epilogue. Returning Home. On a mindful old age.
Each chapter of the book is an ensemble of personal memories of special moments blended with academic works written by well respected theorists on that chapter's topic.
And it is a joy. Personal and universal. And a wonderful evocation of the Greek spirit of life and love and passion for life and people.
Yes, there are many who would say that the conclusions are common sense and that this book reflects the current obsession we have to navel gaze and treat our lives as academic subjects to be examined ad nauseam.
But it is a brave thing to go against the western world’s youth obsessed culture and recommend the simply life where the relentless pursuit of commerce and possessions is all consuming.
If you want an alternative view of how to seize the moment – read this book.
This book was obtained from NetGalley in exchange for an open and honest review.
July 3, 2022
This is a light-hearted yet poignant meditation on "old old age." Klein balances personal reflections with memorable descriptions of the Greek island Hydra (where the notes for the book were made). He applies Epicurus well. His thoughts on Heidegger are less successful -- rather vague and not entirely in keeping with the Greek element. Klein's central thesis is certainly worth thinking about: resist the eternally young movement and embrace old age and its slower, genuine pace. Perhaps, such optimism is easier from a slow-moving spot in the Aegean than it is in busy urban environments. Even so, this is a book to read and enjoy at a leisurely pace.
January 5, 2022
I loved this little book. Daniel Klein is growing old, just a couple of carriages ahead of me on the train of life. He packs off to Hydra, a Greek Island, with a case of philosophy books to help him make sense of the rest of life. His ruminations are real and charming to me, and he introduces various philosophers who have gone before. The more ancient they are, Aristotle and Epicurus in particular, the better they are. Perhaps Heidegger and Sartre had nothing left to think, so they said it in many words. Fortunately, short quotes, many of them beautiful and wise, suffice.
Mr. Klein's descriptions of sunny bare landscapes, the villagers, and the small group of old friends at Dimitri's Tavern who sit, talk, drink, and think in desultory, relaxed way, are quite lovely. This is a fine book for old men. And for women of all ages, who don't have to wait for maturity.
Mr. Klein's descriptions of sunny bare landscapes, the villagers, and the small group of old friends at Dimitri's Tavern who sit, talk, drink, and think in desultory, relaxed way, are quite lovely. This is a fine book for old men. And for women of all ages, who don't have to wait for maturity.
July 27, 2014
The book is small and cute! I fell in love with the idea of Greece for two reasons:
1. Daniel's detailed and creative description of Greece;
2. The great philosophers that walked there once!
Yes, I am a romantic at heart.
Daniel takes us on a philosophical journey towards finding the best way to live a life when "old" age dawns upon us. The entire concept seemed like a far-fetched idea simply because I thought I was not “old” yet. But at the same time something stirred deep inside me and I also felt that I was unable to detach myself from it so I left the book aside for a few hours to think about this strange feeling!
After a thorough inspection of my feelings and thoughts, I came to the conclusion that everything that I had read was relevant to me in all possible ways. I may not be chronologically old but I could change the way I do things in order to extract maximum possible pleasures (Epicurean way!) and to religiously incorporate the ideology in my daily life that BEING ALIVE IS A PRIVILEGE IN ITSELF.
I have already recommended this book to my sister and a few friends!
1. Daniel's detailed and creative description of Greece;
2. The great philosophers that walked there once!
Yes, I am a romantic at heart.
Daniel takes us on a philosophical journey towards finding the best way to live a life when "old" age dawns upon us. The entire concept seemed like a far-fetched idea simply because I thought I was not “old” yet. But at the same time something stirred deep inside me and I also felt that I was unable to detach myself from it so I left the book aside for a few hours to think about this strange feeling!
After a thorough inspection of my feelings and thoughts, I came to the conclusion that everything that I had read was relevant to me in all possible ways. I may not be chronologically old but I could change the way I do things in order to extract maximum possible pleasures (Epicurean way!) and to religiously incorporate the ideology in my daily life that BEING ALIVE IS A PRIVILEGE IN ITSELF.
I have already recommended this book to my sister and a few friends!
October 4, 2014
I enjoyed this more than I thought and it took longer to read than I anticipated. Longer because there were many philosophical references that deserved exploring. More enjoyable because there was something charming about an old guy spending a month on a Greek island philosophising about getting old. This is not a self help book (a good thing) it simply offers a wide range of thought provoking insights into not just getting older but friendship, marriage and boredom to name a few. These are all interspersed with observations of the quiet goings on on the Greek island of Hydra, where the author thinks the locals have to some extent been following the advice of their philosophical ancient forefathers. Those well read in philosophy wouldn't get much from this, but for me it was accessible and interesting stuff.
February 27, 2022
Malonus ir šiltas vasaros dvelksmas.. Ramybė, jaukumas, gėris ir prasmingi pašnekesiai apie gyvenimą.
🖋️ Mūsų gausa susideda ne iš to, ką turime, o iš to, kuo mėgaujamės.
🖋️ Veidas, kurį žmogus per gyvenimą įgyja, yra jo pasirinkimų bei iš tų pasirinkimų kilusių patirčių rezultatas.
🖋️ Pasenęs žmogus gali būti jaunas maloniais praeities prisiminimais.
🖋️ Nieko gero gyventi prisiminimais, apgailestauti, kad praėjo seni geri laikai, ar liūdėti dėl mirusių draugų. Reikia kreipti mintis į ateitį, į dalykus, kuriems dar galime daryti įtaką.
🖋️ ..neapsimetinėk pats prieš save.
🖋️ Mūsų gausa susideda ne iš to, ką turime, o iš to, kuo mėgaujamės.
🖋️ Veidas, kurį žmogus per gyvenimą įgyja, yra jo pasirinkimų bei iš tų pasirinkimų kilusių patirčių rezultatas.
🖋️ Pasenęs žmogus gali būti jaunas maloniais praeities prisiminimais.
🖋️ Nieko gero gyventi prisiminimais, apgailestauti, kad praėjo seni geri laikai, ar liūdėti dėl mirusių draugų. Reikia kreipti mintis į ateitį, į dalykus, kuriems dar galime daryti įtaką.
🖋️ ..neapsimetinėk pats prieš save.
January 22, 2016
This is an interesting book: Travels with Epicurus: A Journey to a Greek Island in Search of an Authentic Old Age will give pause for thought to anyone in the Baby Boomer generation contemplating how best to manage the transition to old age.
Because what Daniel Klein is on about, is the importance of accepting the limitations of aging so that you can enjoy the stage of life that comes before old old age.
Klein is American, but what he says about the contemporary enthusiasm for being ‘forever young’ applies just as much here in Australia, because there are plenty of people here on the same pathway: medical intervention such as cosmetic surgery and Viagra not for health problems but to support a culture of denying old age; self-improvement courses; personal trainers, continuing work well into your 70s and so on. 70 is the new 50 and all that. The ‘bucket’ list that never ends.
All well and good, he says, but by denying old age, people go from ‘forever young’ to old old age and miss out on being a fulfilled older person, ‘docked in the harbour, having safeguarded his true happiness‘. (p93.) This is the pinnacle of life, says Epicurus the Greek philosopher, the one that we most often wrongly associate with gourmet eating rather than a wise man who was interested in how to live an enjoyable life.
To read the rest of my review please visit http://anzlitlovers.com/2012/11/06/tr...
Because what Daniel Klein is on about, is the importance of accepting the limitations of aging so that you can enjoy the stage of life that comes before old old age.
Klein is American, but what he says about the contemporary enthusiasm for being ‘forever young’ applies just as much here in Australia, because there are plenty of people here on the same pathway: medical intervention such as cosmetic surgery and Viagra not for health problems but to support a culture of denying old age; self-improvement courses; personal trainers, continuing work well into your 70s and so on. 70 is the new 50 and all that. The ‘bucket’ list that never ends.
All well and good, he says, but by denying old age, people go from ‘forever young’ to old old age and miss out on being a fulfilled older person, ‘docked in the harbour, having safeguarded his true happiness‘. (p93.) This is the pinnacle of life, says Epicurus the Greek philosopher, the one that we most often wrongly associate with gourmet eating rather than a wise man who was interested in how to live an enjoyable life.
To read the rest of my review please visit http://anzlitlovers.com/2012/11/06/tr...
May 2, 2015
A delightful, meditative look at applying classical philosophy to daily life.
The cover reads "...Daniel Klein contemplates the best path to a happy and fulfilling life as an old man." And this description would not ordinarily have convinced me to pick up this book. However luckily, the Epicurus of the title was one I had encountered before and I was curious. The above description seriously underrates and undervalues this beautifully written novel, suggesting that it is only relevant to Septuagenarians who want to move away from the fast lane.
Instead, this contemplative novel looks at applying Philosophy to self realisation, and while the author is searching for "An authentic old age" it is an equally valid journey for anyone who wishes to apply concious choice to their lifestyle, rather than automatically accepting social norms.
Daniel Klein goes to the Greek island of Hydra (He is clearly a Greekophille of long standing), and applies the philosophies of Epicurus and other classic philosophers to a daily philosophy of living.
It is lovely to read, I suspect I will need to go out and buy it so I can read it again.
The cover reads "...Daniel Klein contemplates the best path to a happy and fulfilling life as an old man." And this description would not ordinarily have convinced me to pick up this book. However luckily, the Epicurus of the title was one I had encountered before and I was curious. The above description seriously underrates and undervalues this beautifully written novel, suggesting that it is only relevant to Septuagenarians who want to move away from the fast lane.
Instead, this contemplative novel looks at applying Philosophy to self realisation, and while the author is searching for "An authentic old age" it is an equally valid journey for anyone who wishes to apply concious choice to their lifestyle, rather than automatically accepting social norms.
Daniel Klein goes to the Greek island of Hydra (He is clearly a Greekophille of long standing), and applies the philosophies of Epicurus and other classic philosophers to a daily philosophy of living.
It is lovely to read, I suspect I will need to go out and buy it so I can read it again.
June 19, 2015
Pleasant enough, but basically in the vein of "Chicken soup for the soul", cab-driver philosophy. Really: it amounts to more or less this:
Wow! life is cosmic, know what I mean? Bummer to be old, but then again, mellow. Don't care that I can't score; that's a relief. Philosophy, that's some heavy-ass shit, know what Imean? Heidegger... I mean, c'mon! But then again - maybe he was deep? More retsina! Greece is nice. It's quaint and picturesque. Epicurus, Epictetus, Seneca, Sartre... all these guys... pretty deep really. You should go to Hydra sometime, but if you don't that's okay, just be glad you're alive.
Oh and here's the hook: if you're old, go with it - don't try to cling pathetically to pre-old life. In a way I agree with this, in another way I think it's a false framing of the challenge of not being young.
I give it 3 stars, because I think what he offers is not nonsense. I just dock 2 stars for its total sloppiness & lack of ambition to think. But I truly wish him a happy old age, and me too before long.
Wow! life is cosmic, know what I mean? Bummer to be old, but then again, mellow. Don't care that I can't score; that's a relief. Philosophy, that's some heavy-ass shit, know what Imean? Heidegger... I mean, c'mon! But then again - maybe he was deep? More retsina! Greece is nice. It's quaint and picturesque. Epicurus, Epictetus, Seneca, Sartre... all these guys... pretty deep really. You should go to Hydra sometime, but if you don't that's okay, just be glad you're alive.
Oh and here's the hook: if you're old, go with it - don't try to cling pathetically to pre-old life. In a way I agree with this, in another way I think it's a false framing of the challenge of not being young.
I give it 3 stars, because I think what he offers is not nonsense. I just dock 2 stars for its total sloppiness & lack of ambition to think. But I truly wish him a happy old age, and me too before long.
May 23, 2015
Like most philosophy books, "Travels with Epicurus" doesn't come to some grand, world-altering conclusion (and those that make the attempt are always claiming too much) -- but Daniel Klein's brief contemplations on aging contain both wisdom and wit.
That combination is pretty much always a winner, and here Klein, in his 70s, turns the meditation to aging, and does so, oddly, away from his wife on a Greek island. (Hydra, the chosen island, was also the base when Leonard Cohen wrote "Beautiful Losers" and inspired many of the songs on "Songs from a Room.") Klein calls on Epicurus as a muse, and the misunderstood ancient philosopher is an excellent choice, emphasizing as he does the simple pleasures of life and friendship.
This is far from the kind of heavy-reading slog required of most philosophers, and "Travels with Epicurus" goes down smoothly and leaves a satisfied afterglow.
That combination is pretty much always a winner, and here Klein, in his 70s, turns the meditation to aging, and does so, oddly, away from his wife on a Greek island. (Hydra, the chosen island, was also the base when Leonard Cohen wrote "Beautiful Losers" and inspired many of the songs on "Songs from a Room.") Klein calls on Epicurus as a muse, and the misunderstood ancient philosopher is an excellent choice, emphasizing as he does the simple pleasures of life and friendship.
This is far from the kind of heavy-reading slog required of most philosophers, and "Travels with Epicurus" goes down smoothly and leaves a satisfied afterglow.
August 16, 2023
I'm a 27 year old woman so not the target audience for this. I gave it a chance because I wanted to find a way to be more mindful and slow down in life, but this didn't really point me in the right direction. It was quite repetitive and I found it boring.
March 22, 2022
This short nonfiction is a lighthearted, sometimes delightful, explanation of why we should embrace “old age,” that period of 10-15 years after retirement but before old old age, as an opportunity to relax and finally become fully authentic. Klein decries the trend for this group to deny the inevitable, cling to their prime-of-life, hard driving vocations, and chase youth- enhancing products. He refers to those who do as “forever youngsters.” He muses on ancient works of philosophy and observes old men on the Greek island of Hydra as he puts forth with wit his arguments for avoiding the trap. To me, the clinching argument is this: assuming one is likely to live to the stage of being one of the old old people (NOT a stage he romanticizes), living through old age as a “forever youngster” means that one will eventually be catapulted directly into old old age and miss a glorious opportunity to truly appreciate the simple pleasures available to those who are merely old. I’d better add to those who are the privileged old – and males at that. I found myself thinking that this book would need some serious rethinking if it were to be truly relevant to old women, or to those without the means to enjoy old age; that’s why I’m not giving it more stars. Still, I took away some ideas.
July 29, 2025
Klein expresses how I feel about aging. He embraces its pleasures, scorns the ‘forever young’, and thinks extreme old age could be tough.
February 25, 2023
Yaşlanma sürecindeki bir kişinin gözünden özellikle Antik Yunan Filozofları eşliğinde bu süreci değerlendşrmesi olarak tanımlayabilirim sanırım bu kitabı. Platon, Epikür, Seneca’dan Kant, Kiekagard ve Sarte gbi varoluşçulara uzanan yolda bu hayatın son deminde nasıl yaşamalıyıxa cevap arıyorsunuz satır aralarında. Kolay okunan ve yoğun bilgi barındırmayan bu felsefeye giriş tadındaki kitabı bir öğleden sonrasında keyifle okuyabilirsiniz. Hatta yazarın kurgusunda yaptığı gibi bir Yunan Adasında herhangi bir akşam canınızın istediği bir tavernaya girip aynen onların yaptığı gibi el çırpıp garsonu çağırıp Uzo ısmarlarken… Neden olmasın :)
January 7, 2022
I guess when your wife gives you a book for Xmas, you not only need to read it promptly but also carefully? This little book is about old age, not old old age where you are virtually dead but old age where you still have most of your declining faculties. Some, the forever young, respond to this wonderful period of life by attempting to deny it and remain young. Daniel Klein takes heart from Epicurus and claims that despite working on this book, he has docked at the harbour of old age at 73.
For me, this relaxed meditation on living well is timely in that I am now 72 and, according to the Hindu principles outlined by Klein, I am entering the sannyasi period characterised by renunciation following vanaprastha or the hermitic phase of forest dwelling (which is true). I’m seized with enthusiasm for renouncing all the useless stuff and have just spend the morning cleaning out one of my sheds. So useful to renounce so much junk that I’ve been hanging on to for years and take it to the tip or the op-shop. No wonder my wife gave me this book. How far renunciation will take me remains to be seen. It’s the last period before old old age where you might as well be dead so I’d better make the best of it..
Tying our experiences together in a personal history is a way we can find meaning in our lives. (comment on Erikson p.76)
For me, this relaxed meditation on living well is timely in that I am now 72 and, according to the Hindu principles outlined by Klein, I am entering the sannyasi period characterised by renunciation following vanaprastha or the hermitic phase of forest dwelling (which is true). I’m seized with enthusiasm for renouncing all the useless stuff and have just spend the morning cleaning out one of my sheds. So useful to renounce so much junk that I’ve been hanging on to for years and take it to the tip or the op-shop. No wonder my wife gave me this book. How far renunciation will take me remains to be seen. It’s the last period before old old age where you might as well be dead so I’d better make the best of it..
Sannyasis are wondering hermits, living without shelter of possessions. They only eat when food is given to them. p. 141
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December 27, 2017A book about growing old - the trap of wanting to be forever young, the pleasures and sorrows of ageing, Epicurus, Aristotle and Stoicism, the fear of death, battling instead of simply accepting the loss of libido, looking for spirituality in old age, and a lot more. All of this thinking and most of the writing happened while Klein was abroad, just describing this super romanticized idea of Greece that almost made me want to laugh. However it's incredible I've never read a memoir by a person just coming to terms with old age and wanting to make the best of it while also being realistic - and it's an important question to rise. Would love to read more books like it.
August 14, 2019
The sub-title of this book should be: A Wealthy White Guy's Philosophy on Aging. I was very disappointed in this book. Epicurus was one of the few Greek philosophers who taught women as well as men, yet this book is written entirely from a male perspective. Klein barely scratches the surface of Epicurean philosophy.
September 26, 2013
This is lightweight philosophizing about stopping to smell the roses. Slowing down as we get older (as if we had a choice) and learning to appreciate the grace notes in our lives. A nice little "note to self" type of reminder, but no groundbreaking insights.
October 19, 2013
An entertaining and thoughtful look at the philosophy of old age. Definitely sharing with a certain someone who will appreciate the perspective (Pop!) and look forward to discussing with him while sipping ouzo on a sunny Greek terrace... (Ok, probably sipping beers on a sunny Kentucky porch...)
January 3, 2017
Fascinating well written ponderings on something we will all face (if we're lucky!) sooner or later. downloaded from my library, but I'm going to buy a copy
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