Travels with Epicurus

A Journey to a Greek Island in Search of a Fulfilled Life

By: Daniel Klein

Narrated by: James Jenner

One of the bestselling authors of Plato and a Platypus travels to Greece with a suitcase full of philosophy books, seeking the best way to achieve a fulfilling old age

Daniel Klein journeys to the Greek island Hydra to discover the secrets of aging happily. Drawing on the lives of his Greek friends, as well as philosophers ranging from Epicurus to Sartre, Klein learns to appreciate old age as a distinct and extraordinarily valuable stage of life. He uncovers simple pleasures that are uniquely available late in life, as well as headier pleasures that only a mature mind can fully appreciate. A travel book, a witty and accessible meditation, and an optimistic guide to living well, Travels with Epicurus is a delightful jaunt to the Aegean and through the terrain of old age led by a droll philosopher. A perfect gift book for the holidays, this little treasure is sure to please longtime fans of Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar and garner new ones, young and old.

©2012 Daniel Klein (P)2012 Recorded Books

A fine story about growing older

This book was not what I expected. I enjoyed it. Not really a philosophy book, but I did get a lot out of it.

Great listen

This was a nice listen. It was interesting hearing the musings of an older man as he approached later years with the Greek backdrop.

I love It

I love this book. I wish my father was able to read it. I believe they should make it a required reading in schools. Read this book. You will enjoy it!

Good read for the retired aka free

This definitely made my morning walks through the woods more enjoyable & thought provoking. As an American, I'm thinking more of adopting the Mediterranean thought process along with the diet

Bad News

I thought this book might be full of interesting and inspiring adventures for an elderly point of view. It was one of the most boring and esoteric novels that I have read. Definitely not for me.

Privileged white male musing about death

What disappointed you about Travels with Epicurus?

It seemed more like a very brief memoir (or the beginning of one) of a privileged old man, and so was uninteresting to me. For instance, if the aging Greek men didn't have aging wives (who did everything to keep their aging male bodies well kept and alive), they wouldn't have been able to age so gracefully.

Women,except as adjuncts to men, were so obviously invisible, that I wasn't surprised at the absence of modern female philosophers. The author cherishes his philosophers as if they were sacred.

Although I learned very little, the book was useful in keeping me from getting too bored while doing yard work.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It was easy to listen to and I loved the glimpses of real life.

Any additional comments?

It just wasn't for me, although someone not familiar with philosophy based on ancient Greek philosophers might enjoy it.

Very disapointing.

Would you ever listen to anything by Daniel Klein again?

No

Any additional comments?

The author advocates an old age filled with play, set apart from the stresses of a "commercial" approach to work. Fair enough. But a philosophy book worth reading actually takes hard work and careful thought to produce. He declined to undertake either of these. The result is a mess.