In David Hume’s Essay “Of the Study of History” he recommends that men purchase for their women books on history to encourage them to learn about realism instead of living in the world of romantic fantasy.
Among other important truths, which they may learn from history, they may be informed of two particulars, the knowledge of which may contribute very much to their quiet and repose; That our sex, as well as theirs, are far from being such perfect creatures as they are apt to imagine, and, That Love is not the only passion, which governs the male-world, but is often overcome by avarice, ambition, vanity, and a thousand other passions.
Hume sees the benefits of the study of history as ”it amuses the fancy, as it improves the understanding, and as it strengthens virtue.” Plus as a woman that follows “Girl Game” it only adds to your value.
A woman may behave herself with good manners, and have even some vivacity in her turn of wit; but where her mind is so unfurnished, ’tis impossible her conversation can afford any entertainment to men of sense and reflection.
As an undergrad I studied the post-Civil War history of the U.S. as well as the history of other regions (some European focusing on world wars and on Eastern regions.) One area that I still lack knowledge in is ancient Greek and Roman history to my chagrin.
Personally, I’m interested in learning more about the history of the conservative movement, the rise of fascism in early 20th Century, and also world history (historical events/time periods that spanned many continents) and ways that movements of people (immigration) may have effected societies.
Are there any good history books that you can recommend to me, my dear readers? Or ones that you would gift to friends this holiday season?
I highly recommend Hayek’s “Capitalism and the Historians” for further knowledge on the benefits of capitalism during the Industrial Revolution. This book discusses the connection between politics and history and the anti-capitalism bias of historians. In the second portion he goes through the history of the industrial revolution.
It’s a small book and it’s easy to get through, plus I think it’d be eye-opening to folks that believe our school textbooks which only highlighted the problems during that time period.
I recommend anything by Paul Johnson, in particular his History of the American People or Modern Times. Immigration: Amy Chua has some fascinating books with unusual claims. Ancient history: Donald Kagan’s books are excellent, and Thucidydes himself is masterful. The Roman Revolution is a classic, but has less narrative pull than current tomes.
Not sure about conservative history, but I did find Robert Nisbit’s Quest For Community to be very enlightening.
HBD: I recommend reading Mencius Moldbug. I’ve read a lot of history in my day and there’s nothing even close to his league, either blog wise or book wise. (Btw, his blog should be read backwards to forwards.)
Moldbug falls into the category, along with Roissy (and to a lesser extent Steve Sailer and Lawrence Auster), of extremely intelligent writers who have the big-picture perspective to look at society with a critical, analytical eye, sharing a rejection of group-think and an unwillingness to compromise their views for a slice of Washingtonian power. It’s a rare treat.
Here’s a taste:
http://unqualified-reservations.blogspot.com/2007/04/case-against-democracy-ten-red-pills.html
http://unqualified-reservations.blogspot.com/2007/05/iron-polygon-power-in-united-states.html
http://unqualified-reservations.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-dawkins-got-pwned-part-1.html
Re: your previous post a month or so ago, I view “playful spontaneity” and fickleness as positively correlated, not the same thing (hence “as indicative of”). The phrase “playful spontaneity” as used indicated to me youth, lack of planning, and dereliction of responsibilities in favor of whatever one’s feeling at the time – to live in the moment. There’s nothing wrong with that, but the moment changes and the next one you’re feeling something else that can sweep you in another direction – hence, a tendency toward fickleness.
You then write: “The more playful curious side of me allowed me to become interested in the ideas of HBD. It was quite a stretch to push my PC-side (and I’ll admit resistance at first) but ultimately I have an unquenchable curiosity for getting closer to the truth about our world — this is what led me to explore the HBD viewpoint.”
While I think you’re right in that there’s a negative correlation between rigidity and seeking out the truth, I don’t necessarily think there’s a positive correlation between playfulness and seeking it out. You’ll notice that more women than men in general are “playfully spontaneous”, yet “rigid” men outnumber women tremendously in the HBD world.
Furthermore, on a personal level, I’ve met far more men than women seeking out “the truth” – this is in line with evolutionary psychology where men have far greater inclination and incentive to see the world as it is, as opposed to how they’d like it to be, because ignoring reality has a strong negative effect on his reproductive chances – while for a pretty girl in her teens or 20s, guys will be lining up around the block regardless of what she thinks.
Mike, Thanks for the recommendations. I do have Paul Johnson’s “Modern Times” and I should pick that up again during the holidays. Currently reading through a shortened version of “Democracy in America”.
JC,
I guess it’s got to be the right mixture of a certain type of playfulness — a willingness to improv in real life (see Madson’s book “Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up”) and also a bit of intellectual rigor (maybe a higher IQ) that make an HBD Girl who she is. :)