A fresh, irreverent, and wildly original take on why philosophy matters and how it has changed the world.

Why do humans return, again and again, to the “big questions” of philosophy? Why have so many philosophers risked their lives for their vocation? Why have reigning authoritarian rulers been so keen to silence them?

Philosophy, in Matthew Stewart’s view, is nothing less than humanity’s search for freedom. It is “as instinctual as a cat’s desire to lick its own fur .?.?. a way of keeping cool and cleansing the mind.” Rather than a body of specialized expertise to which only those in the ivory tower have access, instead, philosophy should be celebrated as an activity—like conversation, making music, or starting a revolution—open to everyone and capable of transforming the world.

In this sweeping new history of philosophy told in six short chapters and accompanied by lively and funny illustrations, one of our most acclaimed and stimulating writers eviscerates icons and picks some clear favorites: Plato and Descartes come down a peg, while lesser-known heroes like Giordano Bruno and Pierre Bayle get their due. Bravely but not recklessly, Stewart weaves major Eastern and Western traditions into a single global story reaching back to prehistory. Along the way, he offers brisk and persuasive interpretations of key philosophical subdisciplines such as metaphysics, philosophy of mind, epistemology, ethics, and political philosophy.

As thought-provoking as it is entertaining, Everything You Need to Know is a clear, vibrant, invaluable testament to the necessity of philosophy for a good life and decent society—the very soul of freedom.

About the Author: 

Matthew Stewart is an independent philosopher and historian. He is the author of seven books, including National Book Award–longlisted Nature’s God, and his work has also appeared in the Atlantic, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal, among other publications. He lives in London.