What Not to Say: Philosophy for Life's Tricky Moments »

We all have moments when we’re frozen in silence, unsure of what to say to someone. Worse yet, when we do speak, what comes out is terribly wrong. What Not to Say delves into those situations and uses philosophy—which since antiquity has dealt with questions of how to live—to unpack them and suggest some dos and don’ts. Covering areas such as friendship, love, politics and religion, this witty and thought-provoking guide will enable us to speak more truthfully, openly, and clearly.

Deborah Bigelow - Library Journal

Like Speyer, Vernon (The Philosophy of Friendship) tackles problems like disliking a friend's new lover and responding to a loved one's cancer diagnosis. Vernon presents each situation, explores it in philosophical and mythological terms, and discusses what's at stake. While the book contains useful how-to guidance, its most thought-provoking aspect is the analysis of modern-day trials and tribulations in the context of Greek myths, ancient philosophies, and great literature. For college-educated readers.