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The Wisdom We've Lost: Forgotten Keys to Joy
We have forgotten how to live a joyful life. Society and media all promise the answer is in money, in things, in relationships, in politics. . . . no matter how much we get, we are still unhappy.
Our ancestors knew that the keys to joy were not outside of us. Their teachings are still there, waiting to show us the way. The writings of Plato, Aristotle, and the early church offer us insight into how to find lasting and sustainable joy. Even more, we now see that eastern philosophy and modern psychology confirm this wisdom.
In this book, we will dive into the challenges we face and how we can overcome them. With journal and discussion prompts, we’ll work through deep introspection to understand the stories we have told ourselves about happiness and a good life.
Our ancestors knew that the keys to joy were not outside of us. Their teachings are still there, waiting to show us the way. The writings of Plato, Aristotle, and the early church offer us insight into how to find lasting and sustainable joy. Even more, we now see that eastern philosophy and modern psychology confirm this wisdom.
In this book, we will dive into the challenges we face and how we can overcome them. With journal and discussion prompts, we’ll work through deep introspection to understand the stories we have told ourselves about happiness and a good life.
- GenresPhilosophy
132 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 16, 2025
Wow. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It felt like a modern guide to ancient secrets for a good life.
You know those classic books that everyone talks about like Dante’s Inferno that you know you “should” read but never get around to it, well this book is like the spark notes of all those great books but all the best parts condensed down into digestible bits. (I hope the author forgives me for saying “should.” You will understand this reference after reading the book).
My favorite part about the book was how easy it was to read. I personally struggle with dense books that are long and feel like a grueling workout to get through. This book is anything but that. Such an enjoyable read. Twelve short chapters that can honestly be read in 12 days if you choose.
The book had great journal prompts at the end of each chapter that really made the lessons learned stick. It was like a life-guide easy read pamphlet with great introspective questions to ponder at the end.
Overall the book was great. Highly recommend for anyone that likes Ryan Holiday, philosophy, contemporary spirituality, and a condensed version of all the great works of antiquity.
You know those classic books that everyone talks about like Dante’s Inferno that you know you “should” read but never get around to it, well this book is like the spark notes of all those great books but all the best parts condensed down into digestible bits. (I hope the author forgives me for saying “should.” You will understand this reference after reading the book).
My favorite part about the book was how easy it was to read. I personally struggle with dense books that are long and feel like a grueling workout to get through. This book is anything but that. Such an enjoyable read. Twelve short chapters that can honestly be read in 12 days if you choose.
The book had great journal prompts at the end of each chapter that really made the lessons learned stick. It was like a life-guide easy read pamphlet with great introspective questions to ponder at the end.
Overall the book was great. Highly recommend for anyone that likes Ryan Holiday, philosophy, contemporary spirituality, and a condensed version of all the great works of antiquity.
September 24, 2025
People chase money, cars, watches, relationships, and politics because they are promised by society and the media that they are the answer to joy. If that were true, how come people still struggle with living a joyful life? Something must have gone horribly wrong in our society.
This book draws on the teachings of Plato, Aristotle, and the early Church, offering insight into how to find lasting and sustainable joy. Our ancestors knew that the keys to joy were not outside of us. Real joy comes from the inside.
🤔My thoughts on this book
What struck me about this book is its simplicity in discerning philosophical principles and reflections, making them digestible for anyone to apply. Philosophy books can be intimidating and require time and energy to be thoroughly understood.
Why should I read this book?
Maybe you are so busy or don't really care about diving into a 400-page book of philosophy. Still, you want to get the practical benefits of philosophy. You want to improve your life because you deserve it. Well, this book is specifically for you.
This book draws on the teachings of Plato, Aristotle, and the early Church, offering insight into how to find lasting and sustainable joy. Our ancestors knew that the keys to joy were not outside of us. Real joy comes from the inside.
🤔My thoughts on this book
What struck me about this book is its simplicity in discerning philosophical principles and reflections, making them digestible for anyone to apply. Philosophy books can be intimidating and require time and energy to be thoroughly understood.
Why should I read this book?
Maybe you are so busy or don't really care about diving into a 400-page book of philosophy. Still, you want to get the practical benefits of philosophy. You want to improve your life because you deserve it. Well, this book is specifically for you.
September 26, 2025
I loved how this book gives practical advice while keeping expectations realistic. The author’s sense of humor and relatable examples made it such an enjoyable read. Most philosophy books feel heavy or aimed at people in midlife, but this is one I wish I had at 18. It’s clear, approachable, and makes you think in a way that feels meaningful at any age.
Reading it really made me step back and look at my own life. It felt almost like having a conversation with a therapist, but one who speaks with you instead of at you. It helped me realign my values and reflect on what I actually want, rather than chasing the kind of lifestyle we often see on social media.
The way the author introduces philosophy is refreshingly easy to understand. The structure is clear, the advice is actionable, and the humor keeps it engaging from start to finish. It’s the rare kind of book that’s both insightful and enjoyable, and I highly recommend it.
Reading it really made me step back and look at my own life. It felt almost like having a conversation with a therapist, but one who speaks with you instead of at you. It helped me realign my values and reflect on what I actually want, rather than chasing the kind of lifestyle we often see on social media.
The way the author introduces philosophy is refreshingly easy to understand. The structure is clear, the advice is actionable, and the humor keeps it engaging from start to finish. It’s the rare kind of book that’s both insightful and enjoyable, and I highly recommend it.
November 23, 2025
The perfect beginner’s book to learn philosophy.
We live in a world that tells you that the next purchase, relationship, or achievement will finally give you joy. Yet people are more overwhelmed and dissatisfied than ever.
The Wisdom We’ve Lost reminds us that lasting joy was never outside of you in the first place. It blends ancient philosophy, early Christian thought, eastern ideas, and modern psychology into twelve short chapters that show what our ancestors understood about a good life.
What surprised me most was how readable it is.
Philosophy can feel dense and punishing. This book is the opposite.
Clear. Approachable. Direct.
Each chapter ends with prompts that actually help you unpack your happiness beliefs instead of circling around vague concepts.
What you’ll learn from the book:
How to rethink your definition of joy, how to let go of stories that keep you stuck, how ancient wisdom maps onto modern problems, and how introspection can give you more clarity than any external achievement will.
If you enjoy Ryan Holiday’s work, reflective spirituality, and the idea of practical philosophy without the heavy jargon, this is a strong entry point.
We live in a world that tells you that the next purchase, relationship, or achievement will finally give you joy. Yet people are more overwhelmed and dissatisfied than ever.
The Wisdom We’ve Lost reminds us that lasting joy was never outside of you in the first place. It blends ancient philosophy, early Christian thought, eastern ideas, and modern psychology into twelve short chapters that show what our ancestors understood about a good life.
What surprised me most was how readable it is.
Philosophy can feel dense and punishing. This book is the opposite.
Clear. Approachable. Direct.
Each chapter ends with prompts that actually help you unpack your happiness beliefs instead of circling around vague concepts.
What you’ll learn from the book:
How to rethink your definition of joy, how to let go of stories that keep you stuck, how ancient wisdom maps onto modern problems, and how introspection can give you more clarity than any external achievement will.
If you enjoy Ryan Holiday’s work, reflective spirituality, and the idea of practical philosophy without the heavy jargon, this is a strong entry point.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews