Sarah Bakewell author photo
Image via Wikimedia Commons, sous licence CC BY 3.0.

Sarah Bakewell

Né(e): April 03, 1963 – Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom

Liens sociaux:

Sarah Bakewell is a British writer and biographer whose work centers on philosophy, intellectual history, and literary lives. She is best known for How to Live, a study of Montaigne, and At the Existentialist Café, an accessible history of existentialism that broadened popular interest in modern philosophy.

Biographie et Parcours de l'Auteur

Sarah Bakewell, born in Bournemouth in 1963, came to authorship by an unusually indirect route. Her parents, a bookseller and a librarian, took her traveling almost from infancy; she spent part of her childhood in Australia after the family drove there through India, then returned to Europe by way of the Pacific and Southeast Asia. After irregular schooling she studied philosophy at the University of Essex, started a PhD on Martin Heidegger, left it unfinished, worked in a tea-bag factory and in London bookshops, and later completed a postgraduate degree in artificial intelligence. The decisive turn came at the Wellcome Library, where she spent about a decade cataloguing and curating early printed books. ((https://sarahbakewell.com/about/))

Afficher Plus

Citations

quote
I was a teenage existentialist
-Think big, be free, have sex … 10 reasons to be an existentialist
quote
It’s big, it’s bonny, it’s existential, it’s rectangular
-At the Existentialist Cafe
quote
The alternative would be truly infernal
-If Dante was a narcoleptic, why should it matter?
quote
Montaigne raised questions rather than giving answers
-What Bloggers Owe Montaigne
quote
Philosophy itself is an everyday matter
-Lives Actually Lived
quote
Perhaps you think of yourself as a humanist; perhaps you do not
-Humanly Possible
quote
He did not tell us what we should do, but explored what we actually do
-Montaigne, philosopher of life, part 1: How to live
quote
The modernist art that most retains its original power has these qualities, I think
-Stravinsky and the modernism that still has the power to stir

Découvrir plus

Study existentialism basics
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

Study existentialism basics

Existentialism remains one of philosophy's most relevant schools of thought, offering profound insights into human freedom, responsibility, and meaning-making in an uncertain world. This learning plan is ideal for philosophy students, thoughtful individuals seeking deeper self-understanding, and anyone grappling with questions about purpose, authenticity, and how to live meaningfully in modern life.

4 h 45 m4 Sections
Female authors
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

Female authors

This learning plan provides essential knowledge for anyone seeking to understand the vital contributions of women to world literature and feminist thought. It's particularly valuable for students of literature, gender studies, and cultural history, as well as readers who want to broaden their literary perspectives beyond traditionally male-dominated canons. By exploring both historical pioneers and contemporary voices, learners gain insight into how women writers have shaped—and continue to shape—our cultural conversations about identity, equality, and human experience.

4 h 37 m4 Sections
Philosophy
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

Philosophy

This learning plan offers a structured journey through Western philosophy's most transformative ideas, from ancient Greece to modern existentialism. It's ideal for curious minds seeking to develop rigorous critical thinking skills, anyone grappling with life's big questions about meaning and morality, or professionals wanting to enhance their analytical reasoning and ethical decision-making capabilities. Whether you're new to philosophy or looking to deepen your understanding, this path provides both timeless wisdom and practical frameworks for examining the fundamental questions that shape how we live and think.

4 h 44 m4 Sections
The Art of Living Well
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

The Art of Living Well

In an era of constant distraction, this plan provides a foundational toolkit for mental clarity and ethical decision-making. It is ideal for individuals seeking to bridge ancient wisdom with modern challenges to build a more resilient and meaningful life.

2 h4 Sections
The Architecture of the Modern Soul
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

The Architecture of the Modern Soul

This curriculum offers a deep dive into the literary evolution of the Western psyche, moving from Victorian constraints to postmodern fragmentation. It is ideal for literature students, aspiring writers, and cultural critics seeking to understand how narrative structures reflect our changing social reality.

2 h4 Sections
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living

In an era of constant distraction and uncertainty, these foundational philosophical principles offer a roadmap for mental clarity and emotional stability. This plan is ideal for anyone seeking to replace reactive habits with intentional living and ancient resilience strategies.

1 h 30 m3 Sections
Aristotle’s Guide to Flourishing
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

Aristotle’s Guide to Flourishing

This plan distills ancient wisdom into practical strategies for modern character development and ethical living. It is ideal for individuals seeking to improve their decision-making, social relationships, and overall sense of purpose.

2 h 30 m5 Sections
Nietzsche: The Tragic Life and Radical Thought
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

Nietzsche: The Tragic Life and Radical Thought

This learning plan is essential for anyone seeking to navigate the modern crisis of meaning and understand the foundations of existentialist thought. It is ideal for students of philosophy and creative thinkers who want to transform personal challenges into a framework for radical self-overcoming.

1 h 30 m3 Sections

Voix de la Communauté

"Sarah Bakewell unknots complex philosophical thought with verve and wit"

Windham-Campbell Prizes

"I've long admired Sarah Bakewell's extraordinary talent for breathing life into philosophy"

Oliver Burkeman

"Sarah Bakewell's prose remains lucid and warm no matter how challenging the ideas she's dissecting"

The Boston Globe

"Sarah Bakewell writes elegantly, and her affection for her subject comes over strongly"

The Independent

"Sarah Bakewell's books are always a joyous education"

Robin Ince

"Sarah Bakewell cleverly breaks away from chronology to explore the fundamental questions of living"

Cerise Press

"Sarah Bakewell is expertly equipped to tell us the story of existentialism"

The Guardian

"Sarah Bakewell takes us on a 700-year tour of humanism"

The Washington Post

FAQ sur cette page

Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000 esprits curieux

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star
1.5K Ratings4.7
Commencez votre parcours d'apprentissage, maintenant