How to Keep an Open Mind

An Ancient Guide to Thinking Like a Skeptic

By: Sextus Empiricus, Richard Bett - translator and commentator

Narrated by: Tom Parks

How ancient skepticism can help you attain tranquility by learning to suspend judgment

Along with Stoicism and Epicureanism, Skepticism is one of the three major schools of ancient Greek philosophy that claim to offer a way of living as well as thinking. How to Keep an Open Mind provides an unmatched introduction to skepticism by presenting a fresh, modern translation of key passages from the writings of Sextus Empiricus, the only Greek skeptic whose works have survived.

While content in daily life to go along with things as they appear to be, Sextus advocated - and provided a set of techniques to achieve - a radical suspension of judgment about the way things really are, believing that such nonjudging can be useful for challenging the unfounded dogmatism of others and may help one achieve a state of calm and tranquility. In an introduction, Richard Bett makes the case that the most important lesson we can draw from Sextus's brand of skepticism today may be an ability to see what can be said on the other side of any issue, leading to a greater open-mindedness.

How to Keep an Open Mind offers a compelling antidote to the closed-minded dogmatism of today's polarized world.

©2021 Princeton University Press (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Clear, revealing look at Skepticism

This book is an interesting description and translation of Sextus Empiricus books on skeptic philosophy. It is a revealing take on how someone from around the year 200 viewed skepticism in contrast to other Hellenistic schools, and while the treatment of the philosophy is straightforward, I felt that the skeptics were not as complete of a school as the stoics or the epicureans, (At least not as portrayed in this Sextus Empiricus work. ). But that’s not the fault of the author as he’s just translating the work of a late antiquity doctor. This audio version of the book is very clear despite the work being translated being sometimes rather dry. Since the topic is a little confusing, I plan to listen to it again to try to understand have the material better.

Awesome!

I loved the narration and the lessons that this book offers to readers. This book was well worth the listen!

Open minds

Open minded logic and common sense which isn't common anymore. Great read thus book is a keeper.

A good introduction to Sexstus' Skepticism

The title is a selection of Sextus' ideas with some context from the translator. It is a good entrance into Sextus' thoughts and skepticism, but I must say I found the arguments semantic and unpersuasive. The narration is simple and clear, but somewhat lifeless.

Interesting overview

I liked this book narrator was fine just didn’t keep my interest like some other similar books. Skepticism is alright and it’s a quick enough read.