Leisure, The Basis Of Culture
by Josef Pieper
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Book Summary Information
Author: Josef PieperTranslator: Gerald Malsbary
Introduction: Roger Scruton
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); German (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Deluxe Edition
Published: 1998-11-15
ISBN: 1890318353
Number of pages: 160
Publisher: St. Augustine's Press
Book Reviews of Leisure, The Basis Of Culture
Book Review: A Most Important Book for Our Time
Summary: 5 Stars
I cannot say enough about this wonderful and important book. It's message is simple: Western culture has taken upon itself a disposition toward life--and an outlook upon the world--of total work; of work-for-work's sake; or, if you prefer, we have internalized the Weberian protestant work ethic to a debilitating degree. In so doing, so Pieper suggests, we threaten to loose our very souls, both culturally and personally. We must make time for contemplation and reflection, and to, more generally, bask in the truth, beauty and goodness that is available to us in every facet of existence.
While Pieper is a Catholic philosopher in the Thomistic tradition, his arguments are solid and broad enough for those who may be non-religious, or of different faiths. Nevertheless, Christians will, I am sure, enjoy Pieper's articulate use of Christian inspired ideas and use of sources.
Those familiar with Heidegger will also appreciate Pieper's line of argumentation and the resemblances it has to the Heideggarian notions of Gelasenheit, Gestel, and Aletheia.
The second half of the book is a fantastic apology for, and description of, philosophy and the contemplative life.
In short, I cannot recommend this book enough for everyone. It's message is so needed now more than ever, as we have as a society become slaves of productivity. When I teach Introduction to Philosophy I will be sure to use this book!
One last note in brief: if anything bad can be said, it would have to be in regard to the multiple typos throughout the text. I do hope that St. Augustine Press makes an effort to rectify this problem, as it seems an injustice to such an important book. --And I certainly do not agree with one of the reviewers who suggested the translation renders the text obtuse; to the contrary I found it remarkably clear and cogent.
ADDENDUM as of 11/2004: Recently the publisher contacted me, stating that the various typos have been corrected. I looked through a recent copy and found this to be the case. St. Augustine Press should be commended for this care and consideration of one of their best books!
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