What is success, and is it worth the sacrifice? A psychiatrist and philosopher searches for a better, freer way of living. Some people would rather die than think. In fact, they do. —Bertrand Russell We spend most of our time and energy chasing success, such that we have little left over for thinking and feeling, being and relating. As a result, we fail in the deepest possible way. We fail as human beings. This mind-bending, award-winning book, written by an Oxford psychiatrist and philosopher, explores what it means to be successful, and how, if at all, true success can be achieved. An extraordinarily wide ranging mix of psychology and philosophy covering most of human behaviour from madness to happiness and the meaning of life, and encountering ghosts and death on the way ... Brilliant. Neel Burton has already won several prizes ... and this volume deserves another. —The British Medical Association Book Awards A unique perspective... [Neel Burton] delivers on the provocative and intriguing promise inherent in this work’s title… He provides a fascinating exploration of topics ranging from courage and death to madness and ataraxia, offering the reader a meaty analysis of these subjects and more. —The BookLife Prize (Quarter-finalist) In this eye-opening read, psychiatrist Neel Burton explains… that by redefining what it means to achieve, we can avoid failure and gain control over our lives. —BookBub (Featured New Release) An enlightening guide on the beauty and importance of failure … It's full of common sense, warm realism, and the kind of wisdom you wish you could have taken in when you were younger … Burton writes from a place of authority and experience, and you feel as if you have finally found the compassionate, tailor-made advice that you've been looking for. If you want to re-examine your life and goals and perhaps find deep happiness, [this book] can help you get there. —Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite A demanding, provocative and ultimately transformative read. Give it a try and see how you get on. —The International Review of Books The coronavirus pandemic has thrown everything up into the air, straining our coping mechanisms and forcing us to re-examine our assumptions, priorities, and whole way of living. But in crisis there is also great opportunity, and this very timely book lights us the way. —Dr Chris Chopdar, clinical psychiatrist ★★★★★ This book saved my life. —Amazon.com reviewer About the author Dr Neel Burton FRSA is a psychiatrist, philosopher, and wine-lover who lives and teaches in Oxford, England. He is a Fellow of Green-Templeton College in the University of Oxford, and the recipient of the Society of Authors’ Richard Asher Prize, the British Medical Association’s Young Authors’ Award, the Medical Journalists’ Association Open Book Award, and a Best in the World Gourmand Award. His work has featured in the likes of Aeon, the Spectator, and the Times, and been translated into several languages. Contents 1. Mania 2. Freedom 3. Fear 4. Courage 5. Death 6. Values 7. Kings 8. Ghosts 9. Madness 10. Meaning 11. Happiness 12. Ataraxia 13. Friendship 14. Love ◆ Grab your copy now and prepare to be challenged.