1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: Through the lens of philosophy, Kieran Setiya explores how to make sense of life’s struggles and the resilience needed to live a meaningful life.
“Life is hard, but we can find joy and meaning in the struggle.”
Quick Info

Category: Happiness
Publish Date: 2022-10-04
# Pages: 240
ISBN: 0593538218
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Table of Contents
Overview
Kieran Setiya’s Life Is Hard: A Philosophy of Pain and Difficulty is a thought-provoking exploration of the difficulties of life and how to confront them.
Through deeply personal stories and philosophical arguments, Setiya helps readers gain a better understanding of the hardships they face and offers advice on how to make the best of them.
Life Is Hard is an important read for anyone looking to gain emotional insight and practical wisdom on how to face the inevitable struggles of everyday life.
4 Key Lessons from Life Is Hard by Kieran Setiya
1. Don’t Take Life Too Seriously
Life will always be full of stress, uncertainty, and disappointment.
It is important to remember that life is still full of joy and beauty, even when it is challenging.
It is important to stay focused on the positive aspects of life and to not take things too seriously.
This will help the reader to maintain a healthy perspective and to enjoy life despite its difficulties.
2. Don’t Put Too Much Pressure On Yourself
It is easy to become overwhelmed by life’s demands, but it is important to remember that perfection is impossible.
We should strive to be our best self, but should also accept and embrace our imperfections.
Putting too much pressure on oneself can lead to feelings of inadequacy and discouragement.
By learning to accept and embrace imperfection, the reader will be able to better cope with life’s disappointments.
3. Don’t Dwell On the Past
It is easy to become stuck in the past, but it is important to remember that the present is the only thing that can truly be changed.
Dwelling on the past can prevent us from living in the present and from seeing the beauty that life has to offer.
Learning to focus on the present and to appreciate the good things in life will help the reader to live life to the fullest.
4. Don’t Take Shortcuts
Shortcuts can often lead to disappointment and regret.
It is important to remember that life is a journey and that taking shortcuts can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
Taking the time to do things properly will help the reader to achieve lasting success and fulfillment.
Who Should Read It
This book is appropriate for adults of any age who are struggling to make sense of life and facing difficult decisions.
It is also useful for people who are dealing with major life events such as job loss, a death in the family, or a difficult relationship.
People who are interested in philosophy and examining the reasons behind their decisions will find this book particularly helpful.
Where to Get It
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About Kieran Setiya
Kieran Setiya is a professor of philosophy at MIT and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
His research focuses on moral and political philosophy, with special interest in the nature of practical reason, freedom, autonomy, and the nature of the self.
He is the author of several books, including Reasons Without Rationalism, Midlife: A Philosophical Guide, and Life Is Hard.
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Other Happiness Books you may Like:
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- Losing Ourselves by Jay Garfield
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie
- Lovingkindness by Sharon Salzberg
- Minimalism by Joshua Fields Millburn
Over to You
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Thanks a lot,
Simon

Welcome to DailyBitsOfWisdom.com, my passion project inspired by my own battle with depression. Here, I share resources on journaling, positive affirmations, self-help insights, and book summaries, creating a nurturing space where we can connect, learn, and grow together on our journey to self-discovery and personal growth.