This classic work of philosophical dialogue was first published in 1683 and became a bestseller in its time. The book consists of a series of imaginary conversations between the great figures of history, from ancient Greece to the modern era, in which they reflect on the meaning of life, death, and immortality. Fontenelle's writing is witty, erudite, and engaging, and his dialogues offer a fascinating glimpse into the intellectual culture of his time. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of philosophy and the art of conversation. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.