Life Is Hard

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A NEW YORKER AND THE ECONOMIST BEST BOOK OF 2022, this work offers a humane consolation for challenging times. It resembles a conversation with a thoughtful friend who, rather than urging you to cheer up, provides gentle companionship and a fresh perspective that ultimately uplifts. Life is undeniably hard, as recent years have shown, filled with personal trauma and global injustice. Yet, could there be solace in recognizing the hardships of the human condition? Embracing this reality might liberate us from the relentless pursuit of our "best lives," allowing us to discover warmth, humanity, and humor in our actual experiences. In this profound and personal exploration, Kieran Setiya illustrates how philosophy can guide us through life's difficulties. He shares his journey with chronic pain and the insights gained from it, reflecting on what loneliness and loss teach us about the value of human life. Setiya examines how we can gracefully navigate failure, confront injustice, and seek meaning amid despair. Drawing from ancient and modern philosophy, alongside fiction, comedy, social science, and personal essays, this book serves as a source of solace and compassion, urging us toward justice for ourselves and others by acknowledging the essence of being alive.