Travels with Epicurus

When philosopher, jokester and septuagenarian Daniel Klein goes to the dentist for a regular check-up, he is informed that he needs a section of his lower teeth removed and replaced with either a denture plate or implants. The implants would require frequent trips to the dentist over the course of a year, a lot of money and a lot of pain. The denture plate on the other hand would leave Klein with the unmistakable clunky smile of an old man.

Though Klein initially opts for the implants he soon questions his decision. Is it better to a spend a precious year trying to extend the prime of his life, or to live an authentic old age, toothless grin and all?

Klein decided the answer lay in a place where people seemed to know the secret to a long, happy and healthy life—Greece. He travels there with a library of his favourite philosophers and observes other septuagenarians and octogenarians, and contemplates his own life, particularly seeking out wisdom from renowned hedonist Epicurus.

From that journey comes a sincere and humorous book on ageing and an Epicurean way of living.