BOOK BRIEF

The Life of the Mind

Hannah Arendt
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The Life of the Mind

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1981

Book Brief

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Hannah Arendt

The Life of the Mind

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1981
Book Details
Pages

521

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Philosophy

Psychology
Topic
Philosophy

Politics & Government

Psychology
Publication Year

1981

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Life of the Mind by Hannah Arendt explores the nature of human thought, considering the activities of thinking, willing, and judging. Arendt examines how individuals engage with their internal intellectual processes and the implications of these activities for understanding human existence and decision-making. Divided into unfinished parts, the work delves into philosophical concepts and their real-world significance.

Contemplative

Informative

Challenging

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.5

1,732 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Life of the Mind by Hannah Arendt is praised for its profound exploration of thinking and willing, offering deep philosophical insights. Critics commend its intellectual rigor and clarity in addressing complex concepts. However, some find the text dense and challenging, requiring attentive reading. Arendt's unfinished work leaves readers pondering its potential conclusions.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Life of the Mind?

A thoughtful reader captivated by philosophical and existential inquiries would relish The Life of the Mind by Hannah Arendt. Fans of Heidegger's Being and Time or Montaigne's Essays will appreciate Arendt's exploration of thought, willing, and judgment. This book suits those seeking profound reflections on the nature of thinking.

4.5

1,732 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Life of the Mind was originally planned as a three-part series, but Hannah Arendt passed away before completing the final section, which was intended to focus on "Judging."

The book arose from Arendt's Gifford Lectures at the University of Aberdeen between 1973 and 1974, during which she explored the nature and faculties of the human mind.

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Book Details
Pages

521

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Philosophy

Psychology
Topic
Philosophy

Politics & Government

Psychology
Publication Year

1981

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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