How to Be a (Happy) Skeptic: Cicero and the Power of Curiosity for a Purposeful Life

Name: How to Be a (Happy) Skeptic: Cicero and the Power of Curiosity for a Purposeful Life
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Massimo Pigliucci

Jun 2026 · Hachette UK

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Updating ancient philosophy with modern cognitive and social science, a leading philosopher reveals how a sceptical approach is the perfect guide to a good life

The ancient Greeks and Romans devised an approach to life based on the notion that we don't know as much as we think we do, and that adjusting our beliefs to the evidence while keeping in mind that we could be wrong about things is the path to a happy and meaningful life and a just society.

In HOW TO BE A (HAPPY) SKEPTIC, philosopher and scientist Massimo Pigliucci adopts as his guide the ancient Roman public advocate, orator, statesman and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero to reveal the benefits of cultivating curiosity and doubt in the pursuit of knowledge throughout our life.

Following Cicero's life and works, Pigliucci explores the foundations for a good life, from how to formulate our values to how to nurture friendships, from how to be a good citizen and fight for social justice to how to handle grief, pain and even death - all the while setting this ancient wisdom in the context of modern knowledge.

Updating ancient philosophy with modern cognitive and social science, a leading philosopher reveals how a sceptical approach is the perfect guide to a good life The ancient Greeks and Romans devised an approach to life based on the notion that we don't know as much as we think we do, and that adj...

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About the author

Massimo Pigliucci is the K. D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. He has written for publications such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Philosophy Now, and The Philosopher's Magazine, among others. He is the author or editor of 16 books, including How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life.

Massimo Pigliucci is the K. D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. He has written for publications such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Philosophy Now, and The Philosopher's Magazine, among others. He is the author or editor of 16 bo...

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