The Greek View of Life

by Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson

Goldworthy Lowes Dickinson (1862-1932), was an English historian and political activist. He led most of his life at Cambridge, where he did a dissertation on neoplatonism before becoming a fellow. He was closely tied with the Bloomsbury Group. A noted pacifist, he protested Britain's involvement in World War I. His essay on the Covenant from the Treaty of Versailles The Future of the Covenant, London: League of Nations Union, (1920) helped shape public opinion towards the League of Nations. He was a lecturer in history from 1886 to his retirement in 1920, and the college librarian from 1893 to 1896. He helped establish the Economics and Politics Tripos and taught political science within the University. For 15 years he also lectured at the London School of Economics. His other works include The Greek View of Life (1896/98), The Meaning of Good (1901), A Modern Symposium (1905), Religion and Immortality (1911), The European Anarchy (1916), Plato and his Dialogues (1931), and Hands Off China! (1932).

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Cultural

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1898

About the author

Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson, was an English historian and political activist. He led most of his life at Cambridge, where he did a dissertation on neoplatonism before becoming a fellow. He was closely tied with the Bloomsbury Group.

A noted pacifist, Dickinson protested Britain's involvement in World War I. His essay on the Covenant from the Treaty of Versailles (The Future of the Covenant, London: League of Nations Union, 1920) helped shape public opinion towards the League of Nations.

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives excellent intensive analysis on how the ancient Greeks viewed religion, state, people, and art. As the description of the audio book says, "there is very little about it that has dated." How the views are different from the modern Westerners' is especially emphasized.

An added dimension of beauty is the reader's art. Besides his informative introduction to the author, his reading is amazing. I think he must have a thorough understanding of the book and intensive training in theatre acting.

What an enjoyment it was to listen to this LibriVox audiobook twice in a row.

[Reem Eisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting read, I have always been fascinated by the Greek and their way of life, and their Gods.

[Lindsey W McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quality writing and analysis of the Greeks. What I personally took away from it: Positives: 1. Appreciation for beauty and the good 2. Arts and civic culture valued and seen as the ideal harmony 3. Ritualistic society which made for a rich culture. Interesting: 1. Homosexual war buddies 2. Details of specific philosophers such as Plato and Socrates 3. Differences between Sparta Crete and Athen culture. 4. Physical ideals. Athleticism valued in Sparta even among women. Negatives: 1. Slaves 4:1 ratio 2. Sexism, women were exceptional if they were philosophers or civic 3. Aristocracy, excluded outsiders and lower classes 4. Exposed (killed) children that were born with any issues. There are more items that I am missing here but learned about the Greeks more than before. Recommend librivox recording.

[Griche Cylia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never thought that I would be able to read about history even that am in love with this genre but the greek view of life is just amzing, I really recognize some different stuff about the old Greek, the way of their thinking, the lifestyle, the diffrent principles and believe , a book about the primitive people ❤❤

[Patrícia Raquel Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This collection explores Greek thought through five chapters focusing on Religion, the State, the Individual, and Art. Undoubtedly explanatory and, at the same time, sufficiently concise. The matters described are representative of an Ideal of Greek society, as they engender ways to adapt to modern life.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

He draws some conclusions worth consideration, though others have done better. But: “About the whole scene there is a freshness and a fragrance as of early morning, and a tone so natural, free and frank, that in the face of this rustic idyl the later centuries sicken and faint, like candle-light in the splendour of the dawn.” Puuhhh-leeease! By the end of the book these flourishes have gotten to be like fingernails on a chalkboard. He also sees a fatal flaw at the core of the Greek ideal, which ultimately undermines the splendiferous miracle. Then, without another word on the pesky little flaw, he holds the ideal up as a model for a glorious future. Um, okay…. At least his idealization of ancient pedophilia is heartwarming. If you don’t have an obsession with Ancient Greece, you might want to skip this one.

[moxieBK · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book, written in 1912, was not at all what I thought it would be. In many ways, I found it to be antiquated in how the information was presented. I glossed over parts that I knew more about (I studied art history so the information contained in that section didn't appeal to me as much.) But also the author seemed to sit in judgement about Greek life versus Christian/Puritan life, which bothered me. I am sure that at one time this would be more acceptable; for me it came off as dated.

It was an OK read, but as for it being "The Greek View of Life," it seemed more so this author view of "One Greek View of Life." (Like, maybe, his own interpretation of life during the Greek period.)

Two stars.

[Trihaly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting but outdated and the title should be the Greek View of Life in contrast to the view of life of the English christian of the 1900s. So it was not really what I was expecting but I still learned a few things.

[Patrick\ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still the best out there (perhaps - I could be out of touch). Succinct, condensed, my style.

[Griche Cylia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing is better than the primitive human , where there were no obstacles that may ruin his lifestyle, the book is amzing as well as I learned different things in that huge history .

[Ahmed Aglan]

amusing and inspiring

[Colin Baumgartner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor writing, but interesting exploration of culture in Greece...

[m · Rating 4 out of 5]

1909 precedes 1912 now doesn't it.