Customer Reviews

The Hedonism Handbook: Mastering The Lost Arts Of Leisure And Pleasure

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is exactly what I have been looking for!

I am the type of person who puts a great deal of pressure on myself in all aspects of my life. This obviously results in a heightened level of stress, discomfort and overall disillusionment.

This book will truly debunk those of us who find ourselves constantly rushing so that we may eventually "live the good life". Most of us do this, only to find that it is too late to enjoy it by the time we get there. This book will help you to realize that the good life must be led, in moderation, on a daily basis.

There are plenty of lines in this book that will stun you, as you will realize that you've said that in your own mind, but never heard anyone else say it. The idea is not to be lazy or perverted (as the modern hedonist has come to be known), but to learn to let loose and enjoy your life.

The author takes you through a history or hedonism, from the worlds' greatest and most reknown to the modern laws that attempt to trap the would-be hedonist into a life of self-deprivation and distress.

Wonderful book. This is the best thing I've read in years!

I grew up with the notion that hedonism is a bad character trait and has to be avoided at all cost (it even made me hesitate for a moment picking up the book from and checking it out), only to end up in the extreme workaholic, career-chasing crowd of today's America. I picked up the book because I felt something was wrong with the way I was living my life. And it was just the right book for that situation: it examines the silliness we all have put in our life, as well as the misguided puritan and martyrlike behaviors of the other extreme and advocates a way of healthy balance between focusing on what's important in your life, without going over the edge on either end of the spectrum. Well done!

Every once and awhile a charming little book comes along that leaves you refreshed, and maybe a bit giddy.

This is such a book, it is one of the best and least expensive vacations I have ever taken. At the end you want to take the author out for a great time just to say thanks. I owe him two because of his last book as well.

Many of my friends will be getting copies this holiday season.

In particular interesting book for people who work 60h+ per week and have no fun. Or people feeling in a mid life crysis. A gem of a book. Some highlights;

o our obsession with dieting (enjoy food, dress well...feel well)
o the mad race about being number one (yes, there are alternatives)
o review on your deadbed (can be a wake up call for some)

Well written and always with 'littel slap on the head' remarks like; if i want it it must be right or life is short, so i must dress well.

I'm finishing now and enjoy with my partner some care-free time, wine, s... and a cigarette ;-)

Properly balanced with healthy lifestlyes and responsibilities, pure hedonistic pleasures have the potential to add many great personal experiences in life. Excluding any illegal activities, I highly recommended exploring many pleasureable activities covered in this book.

It takes an open mind to clear negative overtones associated with the "hedonistic" concept from Greece. I feel the pure form has wonderful opportunities when properly practiced - balanced with all responsibilities.

I am a sex-book author...so it was GREAT pleasure to read a book with so much Hedonist insight. If nothing else, this book shows us how we often short-change ourselves from a Life of leisure and pleasure. What is also wonderful about this book is that it is a quick-n-easy read, featuring chapters that one can mentally devor in as-little as twenty-minutes! A great book to bring-along for a lunch or give to a friend. Nannette LaRee Hernandez

Its way too easy to forget to relax and enjoy life. I'm in college right now and found myself kind of unhappy and I couldnt' really figure out why. When I read this book, it reminded me that life is there to enjoy and that I needed to find some balance. Plus, its fun to read. The author has a good sense of humor about things (and is kinda cute based on the picture in the back, by the way). Just reading the book makes you kind of reevaluate your life and what really makes you happy rather than what you are doing now to make yourself happy. Of course achievement is still important, but its the little things that make life fun and worth living. I had fun reading it, and its probably nto meant to be taken that seriously, but it really did make me think about what makes me feel good.

Having just finish reading the book, The Hedonism Handbook is a helpful tool for anyone who is looking for some leisure time be it alone or with anyone. It comes at the right time because as economic prospects look grim, there shouldn't be any reason to be grim. It is a great time to discover yourself, let loose and have some fun. The Hedonism Handbook does help one prepare for their time away from the rat race that so many of us are trying to beat only to be lose. This little handbook tells us that it is time to take a break from work, the people we associate with all the time, and let ourselves explore the other side of us that is desperate to come out.

This book was just what I needed to take my mind off the stresses of school and work, albeit for a mere few hours in a day. I really enjoyed the author's playful and light voice throughout, peppering us with little interesting tidbits about the benefits of "sins" and pleasure.

It is also a philosophical book, expounding the virtues of pleasure while still emphasizing the need for balance in order to be a true hedonist. This will definitely be re-read by me when I need another jolt to remind myself what life should be all about: pleasure and joy!

This book really opened my eyes to the leisure and pleasure I was missing in life. Most people assiocate Hedonism with orgies. Not the case. I let a friend borrow this book and she miss placed it. I enjoyed it so much that this is the second time I purchased it. If you think work and money are the only things in life then you MUST get this book. Stop and Smell the roses.