David Hume on What to Get your Girl for the Holidays

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.