Discusses the writings of the philosophers that have inspired the author, from Epicurus to Emerson, the Bible, and Beckett.

In the last half-century, suicide rates have increased nearly 60% worldwide. This is your opportunity to investigate ways to think about this stigmatized subject. You’ll examine what great philosophers and holy books say about suicide, and consider the numerous factors that sometimes compel people to take their own lives.

Weaving together fascinating tales from his own clinical practice with wisdom from the great philosophers, Yalom illuminates the existential perspective and how it can be skillfully utilized to enliven the psychotherapeutic encounter. Starting with the premise that "therapy is a synergy of powerful ideas and a powerful, intimate connection," he shares those ideas that he has found most useful in his life and work, as well as ways to leverage the therapeutic...

Demystifies complex philosophical ideas and debates in a comprehensive format that introduces the major theories of such great philosophers as Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, Friedrich Nietzsche, Epicurus, and Thomas Aquinas.