I read this when I was pished and it was the best thing since my previous vodka red bull. If anyone asked me about hius philosophy, I'd reply, "he's an excellent se4xual harassment consultant..." And if they didn't understand, I'd tell 'em to check out the boggs in Merton St. (Some people will already have clocked me for what I am.)

Having read enough books about personal identity to choke a horse, I can assure you that this is one of the titles that stands above most others. Parfit's book is excellent because it covers a lot of ground, but it isn't bogged down with a lot of jargon.

He gives many great analogies that challenge the standard ways we think about a person's identity over time...and his conclusion will probably shock those who aren't used to abstract philosophical ideas.

As a graduate student of philosophy doing a thesis on personal identity, I'd say that this is one of the best books available on the topic for several reasons: 1)the scope of the material that is covered; 2) the prose is very smooth - this should be an accessible read for most people; 3) Parfit's analogies are very instructive in challenging our commonsense views of personal identity.

Anyone who has read and enjoyed books by John Searle and Daniel Dennett will probably appreciate Parfit's work.