Kieran Setiya is a philosophy professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he has gained recognition for his insightful work in ethics, the philosophy of mind, and more recently, for addressing the existential challenges of middle age. In Midlife: A Philosophical Guide, Setiya combines philosophical reflections with personal anecdotes, drawing on thinkers like Aristotle and Schopenhauer to offer practical advice for those experiencing the so-called “midlife crisis.” His work stands out for making philosophy accessible and engaging, helping readers confront feelings of regret, failure, and the finite nature of time.

In addition to Midlife, Setiya has written Life Is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way, where he expands his exploration of human suffering and meaning, offering guidance on how to navigate life’s hardships with resilience. Across both books, Setiya provides a thoughtful and relatable approach to the questions many of us face, using philosophy not as a purely academic exercise but as a tool for living well in the face of life’s inevitable struggles.