Ranging widely over human history and culture, from ancient Greece to the current global economic downturn, Scruton makes a counterintuitive yet persuasive case that optimists and idealists -- with their ignorance about the truths of human nature and human society, and their naive hopes about what can be changed -- have wrought havoc for centuries. Scruton's argument is nuanced, however, and his preference for pessimism is not a dark view of human nature; rather his is a 'hopeful pessimism' which urges that instead of ...
Read More
Ranging widely over human history and culture, from ancient Greece to the current global economic downturn, Scruton makes a counterintuitive yet persuasive case that optimists and idealists -- with their ignorance about the truths of human nature and human society, and their naive hopes about what can be changed -- have wrought havoc for centuries. Scruton's argument is nuanced, however, and his preference for pessimism is not a dark view of human nature; rather his is a 'hopeful pessimism' which urges that instead of utopian efforts to reform human society or human nature, we focus on the only reform that we can truly master -- the improvement of ourselves through the cultivation of our better instincts. Written in Scruton's trademark style-- erudite, sweeping in scope across centuries and cultures, and unafraid to offend-- this book is sure to intrigue and provoke readers concerned with the state of Western culture, the nature of human beings, and the question of whether social progress is truly possible.
Read Less
Add this copy of The Uses of Pessimism: and the Danger of False Hope to cart. $16.85, good condition, Sold by HPB-Red rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Oxford University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Uses of Pessimism: and the Danger of False Hope to cart. $25.00, like new condition, Sold by Sequitur Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Boonsboro, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Oxford University Press.
Add this copy of The Uses of Pessimism: and the Danger of False Hope to cart. $48.00, very good condition, Sold by SuzyQBooks rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Salt Lake City, UT, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Oxford University Press.
Add this copy of The Uses of Pessimism and the Danger of False Hope to cart. $49.00, like new condition, Sold by Artis Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Calumet, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Oxford University Press.
Add this copy of The Uses of Pessimism: and the Danger of False Hope to cart. $58.07, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hialeah, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Oxford University Press.
