Description

Using classical and contemporary philosophical ideas, and stories from literature and film, this book involves the reader in considering alternative possibilities for self-development. It challenges the reader to reflect seriously about his or her own patterns of thinking about how to live, showing the superficiality of much of our thinking about what is in our interest. Often people count up potential gains of an act without considering whether the gains and the way of living required to attain them fit within their conception of the life they want to have. To work for us, instead of against us, our thinking about how to benefit ourselves needs to be guided by informed judgment about what kind of self to be. 

Reader Reviews

“This book challenges the reader to reflect seriously about his or her own patterns of thinking about how to live. It shows the superficiality of much of our thinking about what is in our interest. Often people count up potential gains of an act without considering whether the gains and the way of living required to attain them fit within their conception of the life they want to have. To work for us, instead of against us, our thinking about how to benefit ourselves needs to be guided by informed judgment about what kind of self to be.”

“I'm a college professor, and have used this book in one of my small classes exploring concepts used within economic theory. Students find it fascinating and helpful in exploring the many nuances involved in the concept of self-interest. The reader will find it useful for understanding the range of ways in which the term can be (and is) used, and also for understanding some of the limitations of the concept. This book is for serious contemplation, not casual reading.”