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  • The Age of Absurdity

  • Why Modern Life Makes It Hard to Be Happy
  • By: Michael Foley
  • Narrated by: John O'Mahony
  • Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (57 ratings)
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The Age of Absurdity

By: Michael Foley
Narrated by: John O'Mahony
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Summary

The good news is that the great thinkers from history have proposed the same strategies for happiness and fulfilment. The bad news is that these turn out to be the very things most discouraged by contemporary culture. This knotty dilemma is the subject of The Age of Absurdity - a wry and accessible investigation into how the desirable states of well-being and satisfaction are constantly undermined by modern life.

Michael Foley examines the elusive condition of happiness common to philosophy, spiritual teachings and contemporary psychology, then shows how these are becoming increasingly difficult to apply in a world of high expectations. The common challenges of earning a living, maintaining a relationship and ageing are becoming battlegrounds of existential angst and self-loathing in a culture that demands conspicuous consumption, high-octane partnerships and perpetual youth.

In conclusion, rather than denouncing and rejecting the age, Foley presents an entertaining strategy of not just accepting but embracing today's world - finding happiness in its absurdity.

Cover credit: The Caravan Gallery.

©2011 Michael Foley (P)2016 Audible, Ltd

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

A very long moan interspersed with occasional wit

Quite early on in the book Foley makes the perceptive observation that no philosopher ever recommended moaning about the world. Foley would do well to listen to himself.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

In yer face modern philosophy!

Laced with a cynical barb Foley's words are sharp, intelligent and funny. Well read too.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Intelligent funny and engaging

Loved it. I read the book a few years ago but discovered it anew with this version. Lots of quotable quotes. Tons of insights and just the right amount of wry humour. Michael Foley is the new 'fantasy dinner guest'

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