The Intellectual Life: Its Spirit, Conditions, Methods by Antonin SertillangesMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Context & Why I read this book
This is my 6th book in 2021 reading challenge with the slogan "A Year of Ratio & Will". My motivation was to think, become, and act more "rational" and smarter.
What the book is about
This book is a gold mine and could easily be the only book you ever need to ever consult about various topics. It focuses on the very essential, stuff that did not change in 100 years. Even though the original target group was the "Christian Intellectual" everyone should read this book. The chapters and some of the targeted topics within them are:
1. The Intellectual Vocation (your calling)
2. Virtues Of a Catholic Intellectual (virtues, discipline)
3. The Organisation of Life (simplification, solitude, cooperation, silence)
4. The Time of Work (continuity, rest, plenitude)
5. The Field of Work (comparative study, thomism, sacrifices)
6. The Spirit of Work (ardor, concentration, submission to truth, outlook, mystery)
7. Preparation for Work (reading, memory management, taking notes)
8. Creative Work (writing, detachment, constancy, patience, perseverance, limits)
9. The Worker and the Man (accepting ones trials, looking forward to the fruits)
One lesson I am taking from it
The author writes: "You have a difficult journey before you—don't burden yourself with too much baggage." One simple lesson I am taking with me is to simplify my life as a first solution if I encounter a problem or want to improve something.
Reading Recommendation / Who should read this?
This is an outstanding book. I will definitely come back to this multiple times in the future. I rate it a 9 out of 10
Here is my personal rating scale:
1 ⭑ — Abysmal; extremely bad. Couldn't / wouldn't finish. No one should waste his time on this!
2 ⭑— Very bad; skipped part of it; skimmed most of it.
3 ⭑⭑ — Bad, but forced me to finish; close to no nuggets to be found.
4 ⭑⭑ — Rather bad; finished but definitely would not give it a re-read.
5 ⭑⭑⭑ — Modest; a few nuggets; reading recommended in certain circumstances
6 ⭑⭑⭑ — OK; the average read. Tangible weaknesses, but recommended with some reservations
7 ⭑⭑⭑⭑ — Good read, despite minor weaknesses; generally recommended
8 ⭑⭑⭑⭑ — Very good; would recommend nearly without restriction
9 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ — An outstanding work; worthwhile to be read twice or more often; a definitive recommendation
10 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ — A work of genius; should be required for everyone
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