How to Keep an Open Mind

An Ancient Guide to Thinking Like a Skeptic

Narrated by Tom Parks
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Pub Date 30 Mar 2021 | Archive Date 30 Mar 2021

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Description

How ancient skepticism can help you attain tranquility by learning to suspend judgment

Along with Stoicism and Epicureanism, Skepticism is one of the three major schools of ancient Greek philosophy that claim to offer a way of living as well as thinking. How to Keep an Open Mind provides an unmatched introduction to skepticism by presenting a fresh, modern translation of key passages from the writings of Sextus Empiricus, the only Greek skeptic whose works have survived.

While content in daily life to go along with things as they appear to be, Sextus advocated—and provided a set of techniques to achieve—a radical suspension of judgment about the way things really are, believing that such nonjudging can be useful for challenging the unfounded dogmatism of others and may help one achieve a state of calm and tranquility. In an introduction, Richard Bett makes the case that the most important lesson we can draw from Sextus's brand of skepticism today may be an ability to see what can be said on the other side of any issue, leading to a greater open-mindedness.

How to Keep an Open Mind offers a compelling antidote to the closed-minded dogmatism of today's polarized world.
How ancient skepticism can help you attain tranquility by learning to suspend judgment

Along with Stoicism and Epicureanism, Skepticism is one of the three major schools of ancient Greek philosophy...

Advance Praise

“In a world overflowing with information, ‘What should I believe?’ can be a daunting question. The ancient philosopher Sextus Empiricus addresses this issue, asking, what if the pressure to form beliefs is itself a major source of distress and turmoil in our lives? This accessible, engaging translation of key parts of Sextus’s most famous work shows how to achieve a more tranquil life by suspending judgment and keeping an open mind.” ―Christiana Olfert, Tufts University

"This excellent volume offers a timely introduction to ancient skepticism, which argues that much of our anguish and conflict is the product of dogmatism and that only an open mind can lead to tranquility. This is surely a message for our times.” ―John Sellars, author of The Pocket Stoic

“In a world overflowing with information, ‘What should I believe?’ can be a daunting question. The ancient philosopher Sextus Empiricus addresses this issue, asking, what if the pressure to form...


Available Editions

EDITION Audiobook, Unabridged
ISBN 9781696604703
PRICE $19.99 (USD)
DURATION 2 Hours, 27 Minutes

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