A C Grayling is a renowned philosopher, passionate about unraveling the complexities of human existence. He shares how childhood experiences in colonial Zambia sparked his love for philosophy. Grayling emphasizes philosophy's practicality, encouraging lives filled with purpose and meaningful pursuits. He reflects on his artistic ventures, from music to playwriting, and explores the profound connections between art and knowledge. Listeners are treated to his insights on life's brevity, the emotional ties to music, and the importance of continuous learning.
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Philosophical Awakening
A. C. Grayling's interest in philosophy began at age 12 after reading Plato's dialogues in a local library.
He was struck by Socrates' dedication to fundamental questions about life.
insights INSIGHT
Philosophy's Practical Use
Philosophy is a practical tool for everyone, not just academics, to address questions about life and society.
It explores fundamental questions about how to live and the kind of person one should strive to be.
insights INSIGHT
Brevity of Life
The brevity of life, less than a thousand months, should motivate us to focus on what truly matters.
Pursuing meaningful goals generates deep satisfaction, contributing to a good life.
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The Man Without Qualities is a sprawling, philosophical novel that delves into the lives of various characters in Vienna during the final years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The protagonist, Ulrich, a 32-year-old mathematician and former military officer, is characterized by his indifference to life and his search for meaning. The novel explores a wide range of themes including truth vs. possibility, science vs. mysticism, and the ambiguity of human existence. It is known for its complex characters, such as the murderer Moosbrugger and the intellectual Arnheim, and its critique of societal values and the bureaucratic absurdities of the time. The book is notable for its lack of a dominant plot, instead focusing on the intellectual and philosophical musings of its characters[1][3][5].
Kirsty Young's castaway this week is the philosopher Professor A C Grayling. He was a child growing up in Africa when he was first drawn to philosophy because it offered, he says, a licence to study 'the whole horizon of human knowledge and endeavour'. It's a study he has undertaken seriously and practically - he has tried his hand at composing music, writing plays and painting - not because he wanted to master those skills, but to acquire a greater understanding of the talents of musicians, writers and artists.
He lives in London with his wife and young daughter and teaches at Birkbeck College, but he remains evangelical about taking philosophy out of the ivory towers and into people's homes - so that it is a practical tool to help people live lives that are engaging and fulfilling. He is motivated, he says, by the knowledge that the human life-span is fewer than a thousand months - and with our time so limited, it is incumbent upon us all to use it thoughtfully and well.
[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]
Favourite track: The adagio from the Violin Concerto in D Major by Johannes Brahms
Book: The Man Without Qualities by Robert Musil
Luxury: A good piano.
Desert Island Discs 
