The Philosophy of an Explorer

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

Surviving extreme conditions can teach us to lead a fulfilled life. No one knows this better than Erling Kagge, who was the first man in history to reach all of the Earth's poles by foot - the North, the South, and the summit of Everest. In The Philosophy of an Explorer, he brings together the wisdom and expertise he has gained from the expeditions that have taken him to the limits of the earth, and of human endurance.

In sixteen meditative but practical lessons - from cultivating an optimistic outlook, to getting up at the right time, to learning to take pleasure in the small things and comfort in solitude - Erling Kagge reveals what survival in the most extreme conditions can teach us about how to lead a meaningful life. Wherever we may be headed.

'Erling Kagge transforms and consoles us' Alain de Botton

'His wisdom will soothe and awaken' Fearne Cotton

'A delightful book that explores the strange land between getting out of bed in the morning and reaching for the moon Tristan Gooley

'A wonderfully deft Swiss army knife of a book' Dan Richards

'As an explorer Erling Kagge is world class; as a writer he is equally gifted' Sir Ranulph Fiennes

'Erling Kagge is a philosophical adventurer - or perhaps an adventurous philosopher' The New York Times

'An author for our noisy times, full of a rare and deeply redemptive languor and perspective' Alain de Botton

© Erling Kagge 2019 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Critics Review

  • His wisdom will soothe and awaken

    Fearne Cotton

  • An author for our noisy times, full of a rare and deeply redemptive languor and perspective

    Alain de Botton

  • A wonderfully deft Swiss army knife of a book. One really feels the hard won wisdom at the book’s heart, the graft and nouse of life lived in arctic extremis. Kagge’s preternatural energy, warmth and sagacity shine – a cool-headed polar philosopher to treasure!

    Dan Richards

  • A delightful book that explores the strange land between getting out of bed in the morning and reaching for the moon

    Tristan Gooley

  • As an explorer Erling Kagge is world class; as a writer he is equally gifted

  • A marvellous human being

    Chris Evans

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