Big Ideas for Curious Minds: An Introduction to Philosophy
£15.20£19.00 (-20%)
Without prompting, they ask some of the largest questions about time, mortality, happiness and the meaning of it all. Yet too often this inborn curiosity is not developed and, with age, the questions fall away.
This is a book designed to harness children’s spontaneous philosophical instinct and to develop it through introductions to some of the most vibrant and essential philosophical ideas of history. The book takes us to meet leading figures of philosophy from around the world and from all eras – and shows us how their ideas continue to matter.
The book functions as an ideal introduction to philosophy, as well as a charming way to open up conversations between adults and children about the biggest questions we all face.
What people are saying about Big Ideas for Curious Minds:
“This is an absolute must have for ALL children. It is absolutely fantastic and helps children understand a number of their daily struggles. In fact I take that previous comment back, this is an absolute must for EVERYONE. I have had read it from cover to cover, and as a 40 year old woman I have honestly learnt something new.” Freddies Mummy UK
“This is a beautifully produced book published by the School of Life (founded by well known philosopher Alain de Botton). It is a very accessible starting point for exploring philosophy and how philosophical ideas can be applied to everyday life, in fact it is very explicit about this.” Ewingel
“I can’t stop reading and talking about this book with others. It is easy to follow and great for an introduction to philosophy for kids. Well written, great illustrations, ideas and clever how it relates the philosophers’ ideas to the lives and issues that children have. 5 stars!” Thomas Leesa
“The book itself is genius with an introduction to leading figures of philosophy from around the world from all eras. Alongside that there are chapters teaching our children crucial lessons about life, about love, and about loss. Topics such as ‘Why you feel lonely’ , ‘Politeness matters’ , ‘People are unhappy not mean’ , and ‘The mind-body problem’ offer invaluable insights into philosophy in a way that our children can really get on board with. When the book arrived and I had a quick glance through it, my immediate reaction was that it was far too old for my children. And yet when I took the time to start reading, and to admire the beautiful illustrations, I found myself still sat there, an hour later, realising that this was exactly the kind of book I want each of my children to read as they grow.” Five Little Doves
“The focus of these chapters are incredibly meaningful, some of my favourites include ‘People are unhappy, not mean’, ‘Learn to say what s on your mind’, ‘Good things are (unexpectedly) hard’ and ‘Politeness matters’. The book has been written by the fantastic School of Life and it is suggested for curious minds aged 9+. I think most adults would also find these ideas incredibly helpful to reflect on; who doesn’t need reminding that when someone is angry, maybe it’s not you who is responsible?” Louise Treherne, Role Models
“Although Big Ideas for Curious Minds is aimed at children I have got a lot from it too and I wish I had read it myself as a child… This book has taught me, and LP, new ways of thinking and new ways of being.” What the Redhead Said
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Additional information
| Publisher | The School of Life Press (21 Sept. 2018) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 160 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1999747143 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1999747145 |
| Reading age | 8 – 11 years, from customers |
| Dimensions | 18.42 x 2.54 x 25.4 cm |
by Amazon Customer
Every school needs this book-and to share its thoughts
Great introduction to philosophy
Will stimulate lots of discussion
by Patrick K
100% valuable book. Bought it for my kids and there are incredible lessons in it. Could not recommend this book more, really glad I ordered it. Recommend this book to anyone with kids but also I am getting a lot out of it.
by Amazon Customer
I was excited to read it to my child when I received it until I read the “An Idea from Confucius”. It is ok if the book doesn’t include Confucius if they don’t know his ideas. It is much better than PASSING misleading information in a book. Lots of readers give this book 5 stars. Comparing with other good parts of this book, it is hard to believe they introduce Confucius in English to young readers in this misleading way.
by Amazon Customer
One of my child requested it to buy. We read it together and we liked it.
by Nataliia
This book is written to inspire and encourage children to be more conscious and live live wisely. Highly recommended ????
by Galactic Supreme Commander
Great content. Variety of exercises to do and made of good quality
by Jon
I love this book. I’m a big fan of the School of Life and its approach of gently applying ideas from philosophy to soothe our everyday woes. Big Ideas for Curious Minds takes the School’s “consolations of philosophy” approach and presents it in a form suitable for children.
The ideas presented are practical, focusing on problems we all have and which affect children too. What things really make me happy? Do I want the right things? Why are other people mean to me sometimes? What is the real reason I’m in a bad mood?
Each problem is presented and then framed in terms of a particular philosopher’s viewpoint. The viewpoints are chosen to help children develop an understanding of why they – and others – feel the way they feel and of how they can think about things to feel better. I hope this will give my children a bit of a mental toolkit to help them through life.
The philosophers themselves are introduced with a short biography and some nicely drawn portraits, a bit like “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls”. If you liked that book, you’ll like this one too.
Big Ideas for Curious Minds would make an ideal stocking filler for a bright pre-teen.
by Some Nott
This book is well written and the ideas are essential to healthy living from an ethical, phylosophical and pyscological point of view. Plus excellent illustrations and examples.