What it Means to be Human: A philosophical memoir

(Paperback)

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What is the role of fate in our lives

Why should we avoid repeating patterns

And how can we identify our purpose
In What It Means To Be Human, former Oxford don Robert Rowland Smith draws on his personal experience to answer some of lifes most fundamental questions. Roberts story involves a love triangle, office politics, police raids and a near-death experience. We see him confronting his demons, but also looking out for angels.

As we are led into Roberts private world exploring themes like love, death, work and creativity we gain an understanding of what it means to be human that is relevant to all.

Previously published as AutoBioPhilosophy.

Reviews

Praise for Driving with Plato:

This is a fascinating and deeply impressive book Daily Mail

Smith has the suave wit of the professional intellectual Financial Times

I'll never drive the same way again. Or have a midlife crisis the same way again, for that matter. This book is elegant proof that philosophy doesn't have to be fusty and musty A.J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically

A friendly guide to the meaning of life's milestones Guardian

I am often asked to recommend a good introduction to philosophy now I've discovered one Smith's work is witty, inventive and intelligent THES

Roland Smith is a gifted communicator and each chapter is perfectly balanced, and several times my mind was asking 'yes, but what about' only to have Roland Smith anticipate this and provide answers in the very next paragraph Bookbag

Praise for Breakfast with Socrates:

Philosophy made accessible manages to be funny without underestimating the reader Financial Times

This charming book wears its erudition with ease Publishers Weekly

Smith has written a remarkable book, which goes through the seemingly mundane events of a day waking up, having a bath, commuting, reading a book, and so on and explores them with a philosophical eye to see what insights might be gleaned joyously wise Church Times

A very thoughtful and continuously entertaining picture of human behaviour a filling mental meal that should leave you delightfully satisfied Wired

Author Bio

Robert Rowland Smith is the author of six books, including Breakfast with Socrates and The Reality Test. He has been a columnist for both the Sunday Times Magazine and the Evening Standard and is a regular contributor to BBC radio.