In light of the tumultuous past three decades in Ireland, this book gathers eleven different philosophical approaches to facing misfortunes and coping with the vicissitudes of life. The issues are introduced in an accessible and engaging manner. The thoughts of Plato and Kant are explored and schools such as Stoicism, Epicureanism, Pragmatism, and Existentialism are presented. Buddhism, Quietism, the benefits of craft, and the question of whether philosophy can indeed console are discussed. "They could be the most central discussions that the nation faces as it charts its way out of the deepest financial crisis in the relatively short history of the state... This provocative book wants to help you fashion a new philosophy for Ireland's sudden challenge."-Irish Voice