On Friendship
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An eminent thinker displays on the character of friendship, previous and current
Mates are a continuing function of our lives, but friendship itself is tough to outline. Even Michel de Montaigne, writer of the seminal essay “Of Friendship,” discovered it practically inconceivable to account for the nice friendship of his life. Why is one thing so commonplace and common so arduous to understand? What’s it in regards to the nature of friendship that proves so elusive?
In On Friendship, the acclaimed thinker Alexander Nehamas launches an authentic and far-ranging investigation of friendship. Exploring the lengthy historical past of philosophical considering on the topic, from Aristotle to Emerson and past, and drawing on examples from literature, artwork, drama, and his personal life, Nehamas reveals that for hundreds of years, friendship was as a lot a public relationship because it was a personal one-inseparable from politics and commerce, favors and perks. Now that it’s extra firmly within the non-public realm, Nehamas holds, shut friendship is central to the great life.
Profound and affecting, On Friendship sheds gentle on why we love our friends-and how they decide who we’re, and who we would develop into.
Writer : Fundamental Books; Illustrated version (Might 3, 2016)
Language : English
Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 0465082920
ISBN-13 : 978-0465082926
Merchandise Weight : 2.31 kilos
Dimensions : 5.85 x 1.4 x 8.55 inches
MrsOR –
Thoughtful reflection on a mysterious phenomena, not sentimental affectations for therapeutic use
For those looking to find a mechanical self-help or sentimental chicken-soup-for-the-soul styled treatment of friendship, you will be sorely disappointed by the erudition, sophistication and depth of reflection found here. But for those who don’t already assume to know what the mystery of friendship entails, or those who seek provocation to flesh out their own instincts and intuitions about the subject, look no further. As a definition of friendship Nehmas is a little hard on the classical Aristotelian view. And though his concerns aren’t religious, he seems familiar with the Christian reworking of it (he passingly mentions Aelred’s 11th C. masterpiece on the subject). Ultimately the modern conception of friendship he articulates doesn’t sufficiently carry the moral freight I think it should, as it yields to the subjective meaning-making whimsy of individual taste (Nehmas grants that friendship can be put to bad uses or contain destructive elements, but they retain the label of friendship where ancient thinkers might see them as a parody of the real thing). But whether one agrees with his philosophical inclinations or not the wide-ranging influences, playful illustrations through art and literature, careful conceptual analysis and personal investment endears Nehmas as a friend to all those pondering the verities of life’s greatest gift.
Dylan Kirksey –
pretty good
Really accessible, genuinely good pop-philosophy. Still think about it.
Elana Suttenberg –
and I enjoyed the author’s recounting of his own personal friendship
I don’t understand the earlier negative reviews – of course it’s philosophical, as the author is a philosopher! In any event, this was an interesting and engaging book, and I enjoyed the author’s recounting of his own personal friendship, as that helped provide context to the more “academic” discussions in the book. I also enjoyed reading his analysis of Montaigne’s essay. Highly recommend.
Dallas –
Textbook Challenge
I was very disappointed in the book because 75% was more like a textbook and too difficult to plow through. The last 25% of the book had the substance and meaning I had hoped for. I would never give it as a gift and I will be donating my copy to charity as it is not a keeper. The credentials of the author are impressive, but the book did not give me the substance I needed to help me understand my friendships.
Gang Zuo –
Explain what is friendship and why
For a long time in my culture none talk about what is friendship and why should we put so much into it. Through reading Professor Nehamasâ book I understand the right reason. I love this book and thank a lot to Professor Nehamas.
joel hendrick –
As advertised
I am happy with the purchase. Everything is as advertised.
Paul S. Cross –
Boo
Heard the author talk about it on an NPR interview. Sounded interesting. It was like a deceptive trailer for a terrible movie. Reads like a boring Wikipedia copy and paste job. Like a college student paper with nonsense points going in circles hoping his teacher will glance over his work and see that he added enough philosphers’ quotes to justify a passing grade. He deconstructs Thelma and Louise for crying out loud.
Almeda Reads –
Friendship from a Philosopher’s Point of View
Too philosophical for me. His view of friendship is too narrow for me to find a good fit.
viewpoint101 –
I was expecting thoughts on friendship but the author goes into detail about what various philosophers have thought about the subject throughout time. I could not finish it – far too dull.
Jack Warman –
This is an excellent discussion of friendship. It’s beautifully written and yet, in its elegance, it does not compromise any scholarly excellence or rigour. I would strongly recommend this to anyone interested in thinking deeply about friendship, be they a causal reader or an academic philosopher.