Jared brought up a very important point: all the readings on the read-along list for the year, if we read them thoughtfully, can serve as steps along the path to answering "What does it mean to be human?" and "What does it mean to be a good human being?"
A few months ago, I decided to treat the read-along plan as the basis of a course of study for the year, despite my reluctance to read some of the books on the list. I made this decision because I believe that the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts, so to speak; that our discussions will carry over from book to book; and our "wisdom" will accumulate and grow.
In fact, The Human Condition has already made me rethink my views about the character Mrs. Dalloway in our previous read-along. Also, now that I have started reading The Dispossessed, I can already see how Arendt's ideas can be used to analyze the story.
I fell behind with the readings owing to work, but from now on I'm following your reading schedule to the letter. I am playing catch up and I am reading The Human Condition. I am in Chapter 3. Better late than never...
I agree that the Chapters on Action and Vita Activa are where a revisit is worthwhile. While I didn't especially enjoy this reading experience, that doesn't mean it wasn't worth my time and energy. There were many points where I was forced to think about my own perspectives and where we are in the world today. I can say I didn't enjoy it while it has thoroughly stuck to me and evaluating my view of things. I honestly think we could take singular chapters and have strong discussions. Digesting and dissecting this work on a smaller scales could be just what it demands.
I totally agree that Arendt's central ideas deserve much closer study and scrutiny. But I suspect that kind of in-depth effort would far exceed the purpose and format of this platform.
This series was wonderful! I'm teaching The Human Condition right now, and I'm finding myself refer back to these posts as I'm doing a re-read and prepping for class. I wish I had been able to be more participatory, but I'm so glad these read-along posts exists. I'll probably pass them on to my students once we wrap up (don't want to let them have a shortcut too early).
Jared brought up a very important point: all the readings on the read-along list for the year, if we read them thoughtfully, can serve as steps along the path to answering "What does it mean to be human?" and "What does it mean to be a good human being?"
A few months ago, I decided to treat the read-along plan as the basis of a course of study for the year, despite my reluctance to read some of the books on the list. I made this decision because I believe that the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts, so to speak; that our discussions will carry over from book to book; and our "wisdom" will accumulate and grow.
In fact, The Human Condition has already made me rethink my views about the character Mrs. Dalloway in our previous read-along. Also, now that I have started reading The Dispossessed, I can already see how Arendt's ideas can be used to analyze the story.
Hi Jared,
I fell behind with the readings owing to work, but from now on I'm following your reading schedule to the letter. I am playing catch up and I am reading The Human Condition. I am in Chapter 3. Better late than never...
I look forward to having you in future discussions!
I agree that the Chapters on Action and Vita Activa are where a revisit is worthwhile. While I didn't especially enjoy this reading experience, that doesn't mean it wasn't worth my time and energy. There were many points where I was forced to think about my own perspectives and where we are in the world today. I can say I didn't enjoy it while it has thoroughly stuck to me and evaluating my view of things. I honestly think we could take singular chapters and have strong discussions. Digesting and dissecting this work on a smaller scales could be just what it demands.
I totally agree that Arendt's central ideas deserve much closer study and scrutiny. But I suspect that kind of in-depth effort would far exceed the purpose and format of this platform.
Looking forward to future readalongs :)
This series was wonderful! I'm teaching The Human Condition right now, and I'm finding myself refer back to these posts as I'm doing a re-read and prepping for class. I wish I had been able to be more participatory, but I'm so glad these read-along posts exists. I'll probably pass them on to my students once we wrap up (don't want to let them have a shortcut too early).