The Discovery of the Mind
The Discovery of the Mind
Bruno Snell
Tim O’Reilly
Tim O’Reilly mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
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The Discovery of the Mind

The Discovery of the Mind in Greek Philosophy and Literature

Bruno Snell
By
Bruno Snell
4.3
213
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Discovery of the Mind," Bruno Snell embarks on a profound journey through the annals of Greek literature to uncover the genesis of rational thought and the conceptualization of the human mind. With unparalleled erudition, Snell navigates the transformative landscapes of epic and lyric poetry, and Greek drama, to reveal how the Greeks' understanding of the human condition evolved. From the holistic world view encapsulated in Homeric epics to the sophisticated introspections of tragedy and the emergence of philosophical ethics, Snell delineates the pivotal moments that marked the Greek intellectual awakening. His exploration is not merely historical but deeply philosophical, charting the transition from myth to reason and the Greeks' quest to understand humanity's place in the cosmos. This seminal work, grounded in the rich traditions of classical literature, is not just an academic discourse but a vibrant testament to the enduring power of Greek thought. Snell deftly illustrates how the early literary expressions laid the groundwork for subsequent scientific inquiry and ethical philosophy, ultimately leading to the birth of a rational view of existence. Through "The Discovery of the Mind," readers are invited to witness the dawning of intellectual enlightenment that continues to illuminate our understanding of the mind and its capacities. Snell's narrative is both a homage to the ancients and a beacon for modern seekers of knowledge, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the intricate journey from divine knowledge to human insight.

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Released
1948
1 Jan
Length
323
Pages

1

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Tim O’Reilly mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
there is one respect in which we too must abide by the principle of humanitas, even though we may not have the talent which makes men humanists. That is the esteem in which we must hold the dignity of man: a modicum of humanitas for which no particular talent is needed. The eternal absolutes which rule over us, especially justice and truth, unhappily often make us forget that the absolute which accedes to our understanding is not entirely absolute after all. On occasion they will even allow us to act as if we were the absolute embodied, to the great sorrow of our fellow-men. At that point, morality turns into dynamite, and the explosion increases in violence as more and more men come to believe that it is their duty to follow the absolute. Finally, when it is agreed that certain institutions have come to represent that absolute, the catastrophe becomes inevitable. Then is the time to remind oneself that each and every human being has his own share of dignity and of freedom. All we require is a little courtesy, a bit of tolerance, and, o sancte Erasme, just a dash of your irony.
— Bruno Snell, The Discovery of the Mind

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