Travels with Epicurus

Meditations from a Greek Island on the Pleasures of Old Age

Daniel Klein

• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Year: 2013
• eBook ISBN:
  9781780742212
• Topic: Philosophy
• Subtopic: Philosophy History & Theory

Our society worships at the fountain of youth. Each year, we seek to avert the arrival of old age using everything at our disposal, from extreme exercise and botox to pilates and cosmetic dentistry. But in the process, are we missing out on a distinct and extraordinarily valuable stage of life?

Daniel Klein ponders whether it is better to be forever young or to grin toothlessly and live an authentic old age. He journeys to the Greek island of Hydra to discover the secrets of ageing happily. Drawing on the lives of octagenarian Greek locals, as well as philosophers ranging from Epicurus to Sartre, he uncovers the pleasures that are available only late in life. An escapist travel book, a witty meditation, and an optimistic guide to living well, this is a delightful jaunt through the terrain of old age, led by a funny and uniquely perceptive modern-day sage.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title page
• Copyright page
• Dedication page
• Epigraph page
• Contents
• Prologue – The Table at Dimitri’s Taverna
• Chapter One – The Old Greek’s Olive Trees
• Chapter Two – The Deserted Terrace
• Chapter Three – Tasso’s Rain-Spattered Photographs
• Chapter Four – A Sirocco of Youth’s Beauty
• Chapter Five – The Tintinnabulation of Sheep Bells
• Chapter Six – Iphigenia’s Guest
• Chapter Seven – The Burning Boat in Kamini Harbor
• Epilogue – Returning Home
• Acknowledgments