Why Arendt Matters (Why X Matters) (Why X Matters Series) by Elisabeth Young-bruehl

Why X Matters Series

by Elisabeth Young-Bruehl

Upon publication of her “field manual,” The Origins of Totalitarianism, in 1951, Hannah Arendt immediately gained recognition as a major political analyst. Over the next twenty-five years, she wrote ten more books and developed a set of ideas that profoundly influenced the way America and Europe addressed the central questions and dilemmas of World War II. In this concise book, Elisabeth Young-Bruehl introduces her mentor’s work to twenty-first-century readers. Arendt’s ideas, as much today as in her own lifetime, illuminate those issues that perplex us, such as totalitarianism, terrorism, globalization, war, and “radical evil.”

Elisabeth Young-Bruehl, who was Arendt’s doctoral student in the early 1970s and who wrote the definitive biography of her mentor in 1982, now revisits Arendt’s major works and seminal ideas. Young-Bruehl considers what Arendt’s analysis of the totalitarianism of Nazi Germany and the Stalinist Soviet Union can teach us about our own times, and how her revolutionary understanding of political action is connected to forgiveness and making promises for the future. The author also discusses The Life of the Mind, Arendt’s unfinished meditation on how to think about thinking. Placed in the context of today’s political landscape, Arendt’s ideas take on a new immediacy and importance. They require our attention, Young-Bruehl shows, and continue to bring fresh truths to light.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, Nonfiction, History, Biography, Reference

Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Mark Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young-Bruehl's prose has the vitality as eloquent as an andante movement in a late Mozart symphony. In some respects, I sense the relationship she has with Arendt and in explaining Arendt to be the same affection and respect that Plato must have had in rendering Socrates--a high standard in getting 'it right' and in communicating. Thus, I recommend this introduction to Arendt's works. I will reference this, I know, in the future.

[Gabriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good book, however the great problem for me is the way it tries to connect Arendt's views with new issues as a way of giving the answer to why does Arendt Matters, instead of actually allowing the reader to realize why Arendt is important. I think that the best part of the 3 is the last one on The Life of the mind, and is precisely because the author goes directly to Arendt and her experience as her assistant instead of trying to link her thought with current events.

The part on Human Condition is good, but looses to much pages in the error mentioned above. It would be better in my opinion, to give a clear account about action, labor and work, and then gi to the last chapter of the human condition (where Arendt's was more "contemporary').

Same thing happens with the first part on Origins of Totalitarianisn. However the book have some hidden pearls also. Finally I think that maybe the book needed another chapter for the discussiin of 'On the Revolution'.

[Marcel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm particularly interested in Arendt's concept of politics, the realm of the public or civic, people coming together to talk and act. The opposite of libertarians who only want to pay for the roads they use. A rejection of the idea that politics is essentially a question of governing, of rulership.

Other interesting ideas: "mutual promises" as the way of extending noble intentions into an uncertain future, forgiveness as a precondition for the possibility of politics, "human plurality" as a basic good to be defended.

It would be interesting to look at some of these ideas alongside Levinas.

Skip Section Three, "Thinking About The Life of the Mind." It's tedious and incredibly abstract.

[Joseph Sverker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young-Bruehl does a very good job in explaining Arendt's main ideas and the section of forgiveness is very enlightening. It should be compulsory reading for anyone interested in political theology I think. Also for the theology student I think the idea of Christian love as not being political is well worth pondering upon - even if one would come to a different conclusion.

What I think is less interesting, sadly, are Young-Bruehl's own connections between Arendt's thinking and contemporary political events. I don't quite feel that the links are as succinct as Young-Bruehl likes to make them. Arendt would make a better job herself here, which I think Young-Bruehl would have no problems in accepting I think,

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best introductions to Arendt. It is nostalgic, at times, but Young-Bruehl weaves together a great narrative to expose the thoughts buried deep within Arendt's prose. Marizio Passerin d'Entreves also has written an excellent introduction to Arendt, called the Political Philosophy of Hannah Arendt, but it is a bit more technical.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucid introduction to Arendt appropriate for newcomers to the philosophical world. I specifically enjoyed the insight that the offer gave on Arendt's theory of judgement which was left unfinished given Young-Bruehl's personal attendance at Arendt's lectures.

[Jacob Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, readable appreciation of the whole range of Arendt's thinking.

[Rami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, accessible overview of major themes in Arendt's work.