In is new book, A. C. Grayling shows how much understanding people can gain about themselves and their world by reflecting on the lessons offered by science, the arts, and history. In the book's essays, Grayling illustrates what each area offers to thought, and in doing so, he covers subjects as wide-ranging as Jane Austen's "Emma, "The Rosetta Stone, Shakespeare, the Holocaust, and the brain.

Based on his Guardian column, The Last Word, this book is an attempt by Grayling to help readers consider the range of insights which can be drawn from the rich history of philosophical thought.

This follow-up to the best-selling 'The Meaning of Things' consists of a collection of Grayling's regular 'Last Word' columns in 'The Guardian'. Topics include suicide, deceit, luxury, profit, marriage, meat-eating, liberty, slavery, protest, guns and war.

With clarity of thought and philosophical rigour, A.C. Grayling provides a valuable guide through mankind's ethical struggle to live decently. Focusing on two very different conceptions, he examines the different ways to live a good life, as proposed from classical antiquity to the recent present.

This text celebrates the power of ideas: thought can, and does, change the world. And, in turn, ideas evolve. This is Grayling's personal and heartfelt guide to the ideas, past and present, that shape our world. It covers religion, philosophy, scientific theory and political movements.