The Hidden Pleasures of Life

A guide to new ambitions in work, relationships and learning, by our most inspired thinker on society and community.

"Scintillating . . . prophetic . . . engaging" - Financial Times

"A masterpiece" - The Times

What is worth knowing?

What does it mean to be alive?

Where can one find nourishment for the mind?

What is the great adventure of our time?

What is a wasted life?

What can the poor tell the rich?

What could the rich tell the poor?

How many ways of committing suicide are there?

How can prejudices be overcome?

How else can one think about the future, apart from trying to predict it or worrying about it?

Is ridicule the most effective form of non-violent protest?

How does one acquire a sense of humour?

What stops people feeling completely at home in their own country?

How many nations can one love at the same time?

Why do so many people feel unappreciated, unloved and only half alive?

How else might women and men treat one another?

What can replace the shortage of soul-mates?

Is another kind of sexual revolution achievable?

What is more interesting than becoming a leader?

What is the point of working so hard?

Are there more amusing ways of earning a living?

What else can one do in a hotel?

Theodore Zeldin is the bestselling author of Conversation and An Intimate History of Humanity. His TED talk has now been viewed 1 million times.

Winner of the Salon London Transmission Prize