Living Philosophies

by Clifton Fadiman

Clifton Fadiman invited some of the most highly respected men and women of our age to compose their last will and testament to mankind, and the results are included in this original and stunning book. 35 great modern thinkers and writers reveal the personal philosophies that have shaped their lives and their work. 35 black-and-white photographs.

290 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Clifton Paul "Kip" Fadiman was an American intellectual, author, editor, radio and television personality.

Reviews

[Steve Pettit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to have on your shelves. It is basically a series of articles from some "eminent" people of the time. Many are atheistic, universalists, humanists, type writings; however, there are words of value therein that speak even to a believer such as myself. The original title was published back in the 1930's and is also a good read if you can find a good copy anywhere.
Essentially the various authors were asked to contemplate an excerpt of Einstein's comments in the original book, which is included as a forward:
“Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of other men —above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received and am still receiving.”

An impressionable young mind is probably not the ideal audience for this book, as the world of view of many of the authors are views tainted by popular belief instead of truth. However, the contemplations of meaning and purpose are pervasive themes and serve as an adequate source for sparking ones own curiosity in considering the meaning of life and our "situation here on Earth."

[Rahul Sibal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give it six stars, if I could. There are several arguments in this book, some of which I agree, and some which although I disagree are interesting. There is also significant conflict between the views of different thinkers.

This book originates from a journalist's request to ask the greatest intellectuals, philosophers, scientists, religious thinkers, nobel peace prize winners and so on to share their 'living philosophies', world views, operating principles and so on. Very insightful views. I cannot make a summary, which aptly captures all the important parts, since I am yet to make notes, but man was this excellent. Within my top 5 books of all time. One problem, was that they didn't have statesman, public office holders contributing to the book, so some of the books were a bit idealistic, and naive. To give a small illustration, being scientists, all of them advocated pacifism, and small armies, without realizing, as Theodore Roosevelt once said that the best way to ensure peace is to prepare for war, since countries that are unprepared will usually be devastated and exploited (see examples of history, such as India's colonial past, devastation of Belgium in first world war, Rape of Nanking, and so on.

I especially enjoyed the contributions of Einstein, Bertrand Russell, John Dewey, HG Wells, Fridtoj Nansen, Arthur Keith, HL Mencken, Lewis Mumford, George Jean Nathan, JBS Haldane, and surprisingly even Irving Babbitt.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original essays collected in 1990 that address meaning in life, work, and human relationships; many are well worth reading.