Stargazers

Stargazers
Paul Rossetti Bjarnason
O Books
ISBN: 978-1-84694-058-3
Fiction, Philosophy
Reviewed by Ryan Murray

Ethical living is a hot topic in our world today with ethical coffee to ethical vacations. Therefore, the early philosophers that believed that philosophy was not a subject for them to only learn about but for them to live, are of much relevance today as they have ever been.
The book contains twenty-one short stories about the first philosophers, before each story a prelude sets the context for the story informing us of what we would need to know to understand the story. Stories range from a feast, a philosopher on trial and a philosopher on his death bed. Stories about notorious philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle are included with many others.
This book’s approach of a prelude introducing us to a philosopher then before going into a story about the philosopher works well to gain the readers interest. Making what has the potential to be a very dry subject matter to something that is an enjoyable read. The stories also not only give us an insight into the philosophy of the time but also the culture of the time. This also brings to life the philosophy.
What is quite salient throughout this book is the author’s passion for his subject and one he would want to share with everyone not just professionals. It is because of this I would recommend this primarily to readers that are new to philosophy. As it is a basic level and the passion is continuous. One can not reframe from reflecting on the themes presented to us in the stories and to ponder. There is no doubt this book will develop a love for wisdom in many of its readers and something that we can today live and not just only learn about.