I think I will struggle with this book, if I decide to tackle it again. Hannah Arendt has inoculated me against the old hierarchy of contemplation over action. Sounds like Hitz is all about classical leisure and contemplation over any worldly involvement. How monastic or aristocratic. I disagree that all worldly "preoccupation" (!) must be for gain (money, power, fame, influence). Sometimes action is simply about taking responsibility for being a human on the planet, for "taking up space" as it were -- not to mention taking up untold resources. It may be an avoidable part of the human condition to participate in politics. Arendt made plenty of room for thinking, too. Balance, balance!
Tracy, I think that's a fair critique, and I share your disagreement on that point. I made the general critique about the apparently anti-market stance she takes. And the emphasis on classical leisure seems to conflict with her desire to open the intellectual life to all, and particularly to neuter the hierarchy of the academy. still think the book is a worthy blueprint for tackling the intellectual life, as I discuss in my post on "doing the work."
Here's to balance, and maybe you'll tackle Ian Leslie with me next!
Thanks so much, Amy. After the many horrors of the past several days, it's wonderful and meaningful to think about the good life. And, you make it so very enticing. Thank you.
I think I will struggle with this book, if I decide to tackle it again. Hannah Arendt has inoculated me against the old hierarchy of contemplation over action. Sounds like Hitz is all about classical leisure and contemplation over any worldly involvement. How monastic or aristocratic. I disagree that all worldly "preoccupation" (!) must be for gain (money, power, fame, influence). Sometimes action is simply about taking responsibility for being a human on the planet, for "taking up space" as it were -- not to mention taking up untold resources. It may be an avoidable part of the human condition to participate in politics. Arendt made plenty of room for thinking, too. Balance, balance!
Tracy, I think that's a fair critique, and I share your disagreement on that point. I made the general critique about the apparently anti-market stance she takes. And the emphasis on classical leisure seems to conflict with her desire to open the intellectual life to all, and particularly to neuter the hierarchy of the academy. still think the book is a worthy blueprint for tackling the intellectual life, as I discuss in my post on "doing the work."
Here's to balance, and maybe you'll tackle Ian Leslie with me next!
Thanks so much, Amy. After the many horrors of the past several days, it's wonderful and meaningful to think about the good life. And, you make it so very enticing. Thank you.
Thank you so much, my friend. Indeed, these days beg a retreat from "the world." I pray there is hope.