Real wisdom for people who don’t like self-help books.

HOW TO LIVE is a book about the questions worth asking — about meaning, time, life, death, love, fear, regret, and what to do when stranded on an island — answered the way a smart friend would answer them: briefly, honestly, and with a joke that opens you up inside.

 

Berkun was a philosophy major in college. He has spent twenty years traveling the world discussing ideas from his books and learning from wise people about how to live a great life. In this short, fun book of hard won wisdom, you will get his 26 memorable rules to help you live well too.

This book is for you if:

  • You are not dead
  • You are smart
  • You don’t like self-help books
  • You want to live a great life

Legendary endorsements for How To Live (Consilia per somnium a mortuis) :

“Finally, a book worth re-reading. Five stars. The audiobook is great for hill workouts.”
– Sisyphus

“The only thing is that I know nothing — and this book has doubled my knowledge.”
– Socrates

“To buy or not to buy? Keep your nerve and act with no regrets.”
– Hamlet

“Here is the simplest possible advice: read this book today.”
– Occam

“You cannot read the same book twice, but if you could this one would be worth it.”
–Heraclitus

“I predicted this book would be brilliant but no one believed me.”
– Cassandra

“I opened it. No regrets.”
– Pandora

COMING FALL 2026