I knew this would be a very easy activity to fall behind and this was not a book to read in long sittings/heavy doses. So I divided each Book into a pages/per day (usually around 4). I didn’t bother with the footnotes unless I needed a term defined. I also didn’t place the burden of deep comprehension on me. I don’t think that is possible for a first read of this. It has allowed me to stay caught up or to catch up if needed.
Chapters 6-7 have been more difficult as it feels like the mumblings of a professor working through the various steps of a Venn diagram. He comes upon the forks in the road and realizes there are complexities to solve before moving forward. He then seems to be in a conversation with himself where he strives to resolve the various paradoxes. All the while I occasionally remind myself that Aristotle is right so I can travel along and not argue with his logic. That has eased the pressure as well, but admittedly I find I connect with his method even if I don’t fully grasp his reasoning.
I think regardless of the out of the poll, we should read Dead Souls. I too have the book on my shelf. I heard if you want to understand the Russian people, read Dead Souls. I think this would be relevant in light of today's events.
I’d be curious what folks think about pairing a philosophical work w a work of fiction like Nietzsche w Kundera (on eternal recurrence) or Kierkegaard w Woolf.
I'm sure that as a philosopher, you're aware of the issues with first-past-the-post voting when there are more than two options. You can set up free Condorcet polls here: https://civs1.civs.us/
I voted for Dead Souls because I want to read more Russian classics, but I will welcome any winner.
Mrs Dalloway because I really need someone to challenge my hatred for Virginia Woolf, so I can change my mind or develop better weapons to sink her with.
The Lathe of Heaven because, well, Ursula K. Le Guin.
For myself, I am not a reader of fiction on a large scale, but the book by LeGuin seems less depressing than the others.
I did finish Nicomachean Ethics, though with many questions left unanswered. After reading it I felt I knew more about what happiness isn't than what it actually is. One aspect of life that for me was left out of the exercise was the sense of adventure. I think that we live for adventure and for new things. An advantage of contemplation is that it makes armchair adventures available even late in life. I felt that this important aspect of existence was omitted from The Ethics.
I knew this would be a very easy activity to fall behind and this was not a book to read in long sittings/heavy doses. So I divided each Book into a pages/per day (usually around 4). I didn’t bother with the footnotes unless I needed a term defined. I also didn’t place the burden of deep comprehension on me. I don’t think that is possible for a first read of this. It has allowed me to stay caught up or to catch up if needed.
Chapters 6-7 have been more difficult as it feels like the mumblings of a professor working through the various steps of a Venn diagram. He comes upon the forks in the road and realizes there are complexities to solve before moving forward. He then seems to be in a conversation with himself where he strives to resolve the various paradoxes. All the while I occasionally remind myself that Aristotle is right so I can travel along and not argue with his logic. That has eased the pressure as well, but admittedly I find I connect with his method even if I don’t fully grasp his reasoning.
I’m hanging in and glad that I am.
Very glad to hear this!
I think regardless of the out of the poll, we should read Dead Souls. I too have the book on my shelf. I heard if you want to understand the Russian people, read Dead Souls. I think this would be relevant in light of today's events.
I’d be curious what folks think about pairing a philosophical work w a work of fiction like Nietzsche w Kundera (on eternal recurrence) or Kierkegaard w Woolf.
This reader thinks that you are a genius and that we should make a list at least. At least a list. Well, you get me.
And then read them all.
You can't dangle Russian literature in front of me and expect a choice of anything else! They all look like solid picks though.
I'm sure that as a philosopher, you're aware of the issues with first-past-the-post voting when there are more than two options. You can set up free Condorcet polls here: https://civs1.civs.us/
In an ideal world I can do this, but then I have to explain Condorcet in the post, move off-platform, etc.
All great options but its been a while since I have read a sci-fi so The Lathe of Heaven gets my vote :-)
I voted for Dead Souls because I want to read more Russian classics, but I will welcome any winner.
Mrs Dalloway because I really need someone to challenge my hatred for Virginia Woolf, so I can change my mind or develop better weapons to sink her with.
The Lathe of Heaven because, well, Ursula K. Le Guin.
Coooool
I’m surprised there’s not a Crime and Punishment option :)
Mrs. Dalloway pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease :)
These are all really great choices! My fingers are crossed for Gogol, but I'll be excited for whichever title ultimately gets picked.
For myself, I am not a reader of fiction on a large scale, but the book by LeGuin seems less depressing than the others.
I did finish Nicomachean Ethics, though with many questions left unanswered. After reading it I felt I knew more about what happiness isn't than what it actually is. One aspect of life that for me was left out of the exercise was the sense of adventure. I think that we live for adventure and for new things. An advantage of contemplation is that it makes armchair adventures available even late in life. I felt that this important aspect of existence was omitted from The Ethics.