The best philosophy
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Description
Book Introduction
“At a moment when I was lost and wandering, philosophy spoke to me.”
A new work by author Kwon Seok-cheon, "Courtesy to People"!
A minimal philosophy for living the best life possible, taken out when life feels overwhelming.
Author Kwon Seok-cheon, who received praise as a "writer with sharp penmanship and clear thinking" for his 2020 book "Courtesy to People," presents his new work, "The Best Philosophy," after five years.
During his time as an editorial writer for the JoongAng Ilbo, he earned the nickname "JoongAng Ilbo's Awl" for his sharp perspective and insight, and he raised sharp questions about Korean society. In this book, he delves into "philosophy."
Whenever the author was stopped by the uncertainty and fear of life, it was none other than the Greek and Roman classics and the voices of the philosophers contained within them that pushed him forward.
The author explores the thoughts of twelve philosophers, drawing on classics that raise fundamental questions about humanity and life and still convey a valid message.
The author's insight brings to life the attitudes essential for living in this day and age, such as Socrates' questions, Seneca's respect, and Cicero's spirit.
In particular, we created a double-sided cover of the 'Philosopher's Village Map', which visualizes life skills selected from philosophers into space, so that readers can enjoy a journey of thought by opening it along with the book.
The author reinterprets ancient philosophy, which may seem rigid and abstract, into wisdom applicable to our lives.
His profound insight makes us reflect on how we should set our standards for life in these uncertain times.
If you want to bring the oldest wisdom, imbued with vitality, into your life today, open up 『The Best Philosophy』.
As you follow the stories of philosophers who have dedicated their lives to finding answers to the question of "the best life," you will realize that philosophy is not a grand academic discipline, but rather the art of living wisely.
A new work by author Kwon Seok-cheon, "Courtesy to People"!
A minimal philosophy for living the best life possible, taken out when life feels overwhelming.
Author Kwon Seok-cheon, who received praise as a "writer with sharp penmanship and clear thinking" for his 2020 book "Courtesy to People," presents his new work, "The Best Philosophy," after five years.
During his time as an editorial writer for the JoongAng Ilbo, he earned the nickname "JoongAng Ilbo's Awl" for his sharp perspective and insight, and he raised sharp questions about Korean society. In this book, he delves into "philosophy."
Whenever the author was stopped by the uncertainty and fear of life, it was none other than the Greek and Roman classics and the voices of the philosophers contained within them that pushed him forward.
The author explores the thoughts of twelve philosophers, drawing on classics that raise fundamental questions about humanity and life and still convey a valid message.
The author's insight brings to life the attitudes essential for living in this day and age, such as Socrates' questions, Seneca's respect, and Cicero's spirit.
In particular, we created a double-sided cover of the 'Philosopher's Village Map', which visualizes life skills selected from philosophers into space, so that readers can enjoy a journey of thought by opening it along with the book.
The author reinterprets ancient philosophy, which may seem rigid and abstract, into wisdom applicable to our lives.
His profound insight makes us reflect on how we should set our standards for life in these uncertain times.
If you want to bring the oldest wisdom, imbued with vitality, into your life today, open up 『The Best Philosophy』.
As you follow the stories of philosophers who have dedicated their lives to finding answers to the question of "the best life," you will realize that philosophy is not a grand academic discipline, but rather the art of living wisely.
- You can preview some of the book's contents.
Preview
index
Prologue: The Philosophy of People Who Live Their Lives to the Fullest
Part 1: The Power to Awaken Your Inner Self
Socrates: The Power of Questions to Change the World
Sophocles: The Courage to Remain Silent for One's Beliefs
Plato: The Beginner's Mind: Learning Through Failure
Marcus Aurelius: A Life Without Shaking, a Time for Self-Dialogue
Part 2: Understanding Others
Homer: Everything begins with empathy.
Aristotle: The Laws of Persuasion That Ensure Success
Seneca: Respect for fellow human beings
Plutarch: How to Understand People in Three Dimensions
Part 3: A Different Perspective on the World
Cicero: How to Take Control of a Situation by Momentum
Herodotus: Context is the navigation that gives direction.
Thucydides: Why We Need Facts
Aristophanes: A Critical Imagination That Encourages Dreaming of Other Worlds
Part 1: The Power to Awaken Your Inner Self
Socrates: The Power of Questions to Change the World
Sophocles: The Courage to Remain Silent for One's Beliefs
Plato: The Beginner's Mind: Learning Through Failure
Marcus Aurelius: A Life Without Shaking, a Time for Self-Dialogue
Part 2: Understanding Others
Homer: Everything begins with empathy.
Aristotle: The Laws of Persuasion That Ensure Success
Seneca: Respect for fellow human beings
Plutarch: How to Understand People in Three Dimensions
Part 3: A Different Perspective on the World
Cicero: How to Take Control of a Situation by Momentum
Herodotus: Context is the navigation that gives direction.
Thucydides: Why We Need Facts
Aristophanes: A Critical Imagination That Encourages Dreaming of Other Worlds
Detailed image
Into the book
I wanted to share with you not some rigid philosophical theory, but the wisdom of life that helped me walk again when I was frozen in the face of life's uncertainties.
Rather than the 'best life' of winning in competition with others, I wanted to talk about the philosophy of 'the best life' where each person lives faithfully in their own place, according to their own direction, and in their own way.
I wanted to talk about the philosophy of people who do their best in life.
--- p.7~8
"Menon" tells us that true growth is not something that is injected from outside.
New knowledge is not something that someone teaches to someone else.
It is a process of drawing out inner wisdom.
It is a process in which people who do not know the answer find the answer together through conversation.
Rather than panicking or giving up because the world is changing so quickly, we must muster up our courage, take initiative, and actively seek out new opportunities.
--- p.78
Can we, too, stand like a promontory amidst the world's rough waves? Even if we are shaken at times, even if we are hurt at times, can we still stand firm and reach out to others? Aurelius offers no answer.
I leave you with a question.
I think we now know that the questions he asked himself are questions for all of us.
Each person must find their own answers to those questions.
That is the most human thing the Roman Emperor said.
--- p.106
From the time of Homer to the present day, empathy has been the most powerful tool that makes us human.
Through this journey that began with the wrath of Achilles, we discovered a key to communication.
The key is within us.
It exists in the meal we share with someone every day, in the everyday encounters we encounter and bump into, in the moment we look into the other person's eyes.
Just as Achilles and Priam, enemies separated by the walls of Troy, sat at the same table and gazed at each other in admiration, we too can create such moments of admiration with those we meet in our daily lives.
--- p.133
Like Thucydides, who chronicled Athens' challenges, defeats, and downfall, and who doggedly observed the failings of his beloved country, we too need the courage to face uncomfortable truths.
The honesty to accept even facts that conflict with one's beliefs, the social responsibility to verify facts, and the flexibility to relativize one's own opinions are the true legacies he leaves us.
Rather than the 'best life' of winning in competition with others, I wanted to talk about the philosophy of 'the best life' where each person lives faithfully in their own place, according to their own direction, and in their own way.
I wanted to talk about the philosophy of people who do their best in life.
--- p.7~8
"Menon" tells us that true growth is not something that is injected from outside.
New knowledge is not something that someone teaches to someone else.
It is a process of drawing out inner wisdom.
It is a process in which people who do not know the answer find the answer together through conversation.
Rather than panicking or giving up because the world is changing so quickly, we must muster up our courage, take initiative, and actively seek out new opportunities.
--- p.78
Can we, too, stand like a promontory amidst the world's rough waves? Even if we are shaken at times, even if we are hurt at times, can we still stand firm and reach out to others? Aurelius offers no answer.
I leave you with a question.
I think we now know that the questions he asked himself are questions for all of us.
Each person must find their own answers to those questions.
That is the most human thing the Roman Emperor said.
--- p.106
From the time of Homer to the present day, empathy has been the most powerful tool that makes us human.
Through this journey that began with the wrath of Achilles, we discovered a key to communication.
The key is within us.
It exists in the meal we share with someone every day, in the everyday encounters we encounter and bump into, in the moment we look into the other person's eyes.
Just as Achilles and Priam, enemies separated by the walls of Troy, sat at the same table and gazed at each other in admiration, we too can create such moments of admiration with those we meet in our daily lives.
--- p.133
Like Thucydides, who chronicled Athens' challenges, defeats, and downfall, and who doggedly observed the failings of his beloved country, we too need the courage to face uncomfortable truths.
The honesty to accept even facts that conflict with one's beliefs, the social responsibility to verify facts, and the flexibility to relativize one's own opinions are the true legacies he leaves us.
--- p.266~267
Publisher's Review
"Now, through Kwon Seok-cheon, I am finally meeting the wise men of old.
"I'm learning another trick like this." - Son Seok-hee (journalist)
Discover the life attitude you need today from the oldest wisdom.
A clear answer for all of us navigating uncertain times.
Today we stand in the midst of a constantly changing reality.
Faced with rapidly advancing technology, unpredictable social situations, and an uncertain future, people often feel stuck or lose their bearings.
The more this happens, the more we are confronted with fundamental questions.
‘Who am I?’, ‘How should I live?’, ‘How do I get back up in the face of failure and trials?’, ‘What is a good life?’
But finding a plausible answer is not easy.
"The Best Philosophy" finds its roots in ancient philosophy that has persisted for thousands of years.
The author, who argues that the questions posed by philosophers remain relevant no matter how much time passes, provides answers to the fundamental questions about life through the voices of philosophers who are the oldest yet still convey a vivid resonance.
It brings together 12 ancient philosophers, including Socrates, Plato, Homer, and Aristophanes, and explores their thoughts and struggles to develop an attitude toward life.
"It made me walk again when I was frozen in the face of the uncertainty of life.
I want to share life's wisdom with you.
Life Skills Learned from 12 Philosophers, from Socrates to Aristophanes
This book contains life wisdom inspired by ancient philosophers and reinterpreted from the author's own perspective.
Author Kwon Seok-cheon, who was called “JoongAng Ilbo’s Awl” during his time as an editorial writer for the JoongAng Ilbo, has shown keen insight into Korean society. He is currently an advisor at a law firm.
His insight into the times and his sense of justice, developed through his experience in both media and law firms, combine to give readers the joy of reading classics with a fresh perspective.
Part 1 contains wisdom to awaken your inner strength and lay the foundation for an unshakable life.
We learn the power of questioning from Socrates, the courage to stand firm in our beliefs from Sophocles' tragedies, learning through failure from Plato, and time for self-reflection from Marcus Aurelius.
In Part 2, we look at the attitudes of empathy, persuasion, respect, and understanding through Homer, Aristotle, Seneca, and Plutarch.
We discuss how to build wise and healthy relationships and how to understand others, while pointing out the attitudes that should not be forgotten in relationships with others.
Part 3 focuses on the need for momentum, the ability to grasp context, accurate factual information, and critical imagination.
Through the works of Cicero, Herodotus, Thucydides, and Aristophanes, we propose reading the world from a different perspective and seeking new paths.
In this way, 『The Best Philosophy』 begins with self-reflection, expands to relationships with others, and moves on to a perspective on society and the world, directly connecting philosophy to real-world problems such as anxiety, failure, and conflict.
As a result, philosophy no longer feels like an abstract discipline, but rather a living, breathing form of concrete wisdom closely connected to life.
To you who have lost the compass of life
About the 'best life' that each person lives faithfully in their own way.
As Socrates said, who sought the truth with the torch of questioning, life continues to grow as long as we do not stop asking questions.
"The Best Philosophy" questions the lives of ancient philosophers and leads us to explore how to live the "best life."
The author says that everyone who lives faithfully, doing their best in their own way, in their own place, can become a philosopher of their own life.
Let us listen to the voices of philosophers who have reached us across thousands of years, contained in this book.
Just as that voice was a beacon that illuminated the author's bleak path ahead, it will serve as a perfect guide for those who have lost their way in the face of life's uncertainties, those who wish to calm their inner turmoil, and those who feel anxious in the face of life's big and small worries and trials.
“Just as I rediscovered my own goals and standards through the classics, I hope you too will find a clear standard in this book that you can apply to your daily life.
I hope to find not grand and impressive answers, but a light that illuminates my feet.
I hope that this book, as it was for me, will be the starting point for your journey of reading the books of ancient philosophers and finding your own sense.” _ From the prologue
"I'm learning another trick like this." - Son Seok-hee (journalist)
Discover the life attitude you need today from the oldest wisdom.
A clear answer for all of us navigating uncertain times.
Today we stand in the midst of a constantly changing reality.
Faced with rapidly advancing technology, unpredictable social situations, and an uncertain future, people often feel stuck or lose their bearings.
The more this happens, the more we are confronted with fundamental questions.
‘Who am I?’, ‘How should I live?’, ‘How do I get back up in the face of failure and trials?’, ‘What is a good life?’
But finding a plausible answer is not easy.
"The Best Philosophy" finds its roots in ancient philosophy that has persisted for thousands of years.
The author, who argues that the questions posed by philosophers remain relevant no matter how much time passes, provides answers to the fundamental questions about life through the voices of philosophers who are the oldest yet still convey a vivid resonance.
It brings together 12 ancient philosophers, including Socrates, Plato, Homer, and Aristophanes, and explores their thoughts and struggles to develop an attitude toward life.
"It made me walk again when I was frozen in the face of the uncertainty of life.
I want to share life's wisdom with you.
Life Skills Learned from 12 Philosophers, from Socrates to Aristophanes
This book contains life wisdom inspired by ancient philosophers and reinterpreted from the author's own perspective.
Author Kwon Seok-cheon, who was called “JoongAng Ilbo’s Awl” during his time as an editorial writer for the JoongAng Ilbo, has shown keen insight into Korean society. He is currently an advisor at a law firm.
His insight into the times and his sense of justice, developed through his experience in both media and law firms, combine to give readers the joy of reading classics with a fresh perspective.
Part 1 contains wisdom to awaken your inner strength and lay the foundation for an unshakable life.
We learn the power of questioning from Socrates, the courage to stand firm in our beliefs from Sophocles' tragedies, learning through failure from Plato, and time for self-reflection from Marcus Aurelius.
In Part 2, we look at the attitudes of empathy, persuasion, respect, and understanding through Homer, Aristotle, Seneca, and Plutarch.
We discuss how to build wise and healthy relationships and how to understand others, while pointing out the attitudes that should not be forgotten in relationships with others.
Part 3 focuses on the need for momentum, the ability to grasp context, accurate factual information, and critical imagination.
Through the works of Cicero, Herodotus, Thucydides, and Aristophanes, we propose reading the world from a different perspective and seeking new paths.
In this way, 『The Best Philosophy』 begins with self-reflection, expands to relationships with others, and moves on to a perspective on society and the world, directly connecting philosophy to real-world problems such as anxiety, failure, and conflict.
As a result, philosophy no longer feels like an abstract discipline, but rather a living, breathing form of concrete wisdom closely connected to life.
To you who have lost the compass of life
About the 'best life' that each person lives faithfully in their own way.
As Socrates said, who sought the truth with the torch of questioning, life continues to grow as long as we do not stop asking questions.
"The Best Philosophy" questions the lives of ancient philosophers and leads us to explore how to live the "best life."
The author says that everyone who lives faithfully, doing their best in their own way, in their own place, can become a philosopher of their own life.
Let us listen to the voices of philosophers who have reached us across thousands of years, contained in this book.
Just as that voice was a beacon that illuminated the author's bleak path ahead, it will serve as a perfect guide for those who have lost their way in the face of life's uncertainties, those who wish to calm their inner turmoil, and those who feel anxious in the face of life's big and small worries and trials.
“Just as I rediscovered my own goals and standards through the classics, I hope you too will find a clear standard in this book that you can apply to your daily life.
I hope to find not grand and impressive answers, but a light that illuminates my feet.
I hope that this book, as it was for me, will be the starting point for your journey of reading the books of ancient philosophers and finding your own sense.” _ From the prologue
GOODS SPECIFICS
- Date of issue: October 14, 2025
- Page count, weight, size: 304 pages | 478g | 140*210*18mm
- ISBN13: 9791165703646
- ISBN10: 1165703645
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