Man's Unconquerable Mind

by Gilbert Highet

Book Overview

Explores the power, capabilities, and limitations of the human mind from ancient times.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 023108501X
• ISBN13: 9780231085014
• Release Date: January 1954
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 138 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.0" x 8.0"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

amazed by its literary grace

I ran into this book accidentally while doing some research. Instead of glancing through it, I ended up reading the whole book. I just couldn't put it off. Content wise, the book doesn't bring me many "light bumb moments". However, I find it extremely well written rhetorically. While the book is easy to read, it is literarily graceful. I'd suggest everyone to read it--just to enjoy the beauty of language.

Required reading for every "thinking" person.

"Man's Unconquerable Mind" was written by Dr. Gilbert Highet, now deceased, who was a very distinguished and learned professor at Columbia University for many years. Dr. Highet's field was Latin Language and Literature, he taught at Oxford University as well, and won several awards for his various books including one from the Italian government for "Poets in a Landscape."In "Man's Unconquerable Mind," Dr. Highet writes for the student and layman in language easily understood. The book is both an appreciation and celebration of the powers of the human mind.The book covers the history, the limits and promise of the human mind while discussing many topics such as "training the thinker," "thought control," "the future of knowledge," and "external influences" (negative and positive) on the use of our minds. I applaud the other "reviewer" who gives copies of this wonderful book to students - it should challenge every reader to expand the limits of his/her knowledge and thinking.

Perfect High School Graduation Gift

This is a book which inspires people to learn. For many years I have been giving it to high school seniors upon their graduation, hoping that they would read it and become enthusiastic about learning as much as they can in college. Sometime it has worked, sometimes is hasn't. But it is certainly worth the try.

Thorough, well written

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This book should be required reading for people in high school and college. Highet is an intelligent and learned man with a thorough understanding of the human condition. What's astonishing is that he is able to take a lifetimes study of philosophy and successfully produce this concise book. He is easily one of the best non-fiction writers I have read. Each page is thought provoking and conclusions are well-reasoned. I am surprised this book has not received greater notoriety.

An intriguing examination of the potential of the human mind

A powerful and thorough examination of the human mind and knowledge. A discussion about the ancient Greeks and their thirst for knowledge and the downfall of man's quest to learn. A short but intriguing book.