A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft

Title: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

Author: Mary Wollstonecraft

Publisher: 1792

Genre: Nonfiction - Philosophy

Pages: 242

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; Ebook; Well Rounded Reader -- Philosophy; Rereading; Classics -- Woman Author

In an era of revolutions demanding greater liberties for mankind, Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was an ardent feminist who spoke eloquently for countless women of her time.

Having witnessed firsthand the devastating results of male improvidence, she assumed an independent role early in life, educating herself and eventually earning a living as a governess, teacher and writer. She was also an esteemed member of the radical intellectual circle that included William Godwin (father of her daughter, novelist Mary Godwin Shelley, and later her husband), Thomas Paine, William Blake, Henry Fuseli and others.

First published in 1792, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman created a scandal in its day, largely, perhaps, because of the unconventional lifestyle of its creator. Today, it is considered the first great manifesto of women’s rights, arguing passionately for the education of women: "Tyrants and sensualists are in the right when they endeavor to keep women in the dark, because the former want only slaves, and the later a plaything."

No narrow-minded zealot, Wollstonecraft balanced passionate advocacy with a sympathetic warmth—a characteristic that helped her ideas achieve widespread influence. Anyone interested in the history of the women’s rights movement will welcome this inexpensive edition of one of the landmark documents in the struggle for human dignity, freedom and equality.

A classic of feminist theory.  Really one of the first treatise on what would become known as feminist theory.  I first encountered Mary Wollstonecraft in college during my women's studies classes.  I was immediately struck by her well reasoned argument.  She doesn't rail against the patriarchy or the men of her lifetime.  Instead, she lays out why women deserve to be seen as worthy beings.  I agree with critics when they take issue with Wollstonecraft's inability to state that women and men are equal beings.  She cannot be classified as a true feminist, but her treatise does make strides toward that end.  A must read for fans of philosophy.

The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins

Title: The God Delusion

Author: Richard Dawkins

Publisher: Mariner 2008

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 480

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nerdy Nonfiction - Religion; ebook; 52 Books -- W27; Dusty Bookshelf

How I Got It: iPad read

A preeminent scientist -- and the world's most prominent atheist -- asserts the irrationality of belief in God and the grievous harm religion has inflicted on society, from the Crusades to 9/11.

With rigor and wit, Dawkins examines God in all his forms, from the sex-obsessed tyrant of the Old Testament to the more benign (but still illogical) Celestial Watchmaker favored by some Enlightenment thinkers. He eviscerates the major arguments for religion and demonstrates the supreme improbability of a supreme being. He shows how religion fuels war, foments bigotry, and abuses children, buttressing his points with historical and contemporary evidence. The God Delusion makes a compelling case that belief in God is not just wrong but potentially deadly. It also offers exhilarating insight into the advantages of atheism to the individual and society, not the least of which is a clearer, truer appreciation of the universe's wonders than any faith could ever muster.

I liked this Dawkins much more than The Selfish Gene.  And I think the reason stems from his writing style.  This book's style and language are much more accessible to the non-scientist.  Dawkins takes a nice easy logical approach to the topic of God and religion.  He leads us step by step through the various arguments for the existence of God and religion and shows us where they go wrong.  It was a nice change to read a piece so reasoned and clear.  Usually pro- and anti-religion arguments turn into ridiculous rants and name-calling.  Dawkins shies away from the rants and tries to lay out logical arguments.  I approve!  A very interesting book.

The Frog Prince by Stephen Mitchell

Title: The Frog Prince

Author: Stephen Mitchell

Publisher: Harmony 1999

Genre: Fairy Tales

Pages: 188

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges:  Semi-Charmed Challenge -- One day read; Telling Tales; Support Your Local Library

How I Got It: Library loan

In this brilliant jewel of a book, the best-selling author of Tao Te Ching: A New English Version expands and deepens the classic fairy tale in the most surprising and delightful ways, giving new emphasis to its message of the transcendent power of love.

The Frog Prince tells the story of a meditative frog's love for a rebellious princess, how she came to love him in spite of herself, and how her refusal to compromise helped him become who he truly was. This is a magical book that moves (amphibiously) from story to meditation and back, from the outrageous to the philosophical to the silly to the sublime. Profound, touching, written in prose as lively and unpredictable as a dream, The Frog Prince tickles the mind, opens the heart, and holds up a mirror to the soul.

Interesting retelling of the fairy tale.  We get to see more of the Princess' and Frog's inner thoughts through the journey.  I like the idea of teaching life philosophy through fairy tales.  They are the easiest to understand.  We can explore deeper meanings through classic well-known stories.  The slim novella only took me an hour to read and yet I feel like I could spend many more hours contemplating the messages included.  I don't have much else to add.  I like it.  I want to read more fairy tales/reinterpretations/philosophy stories.  I really should add some more to my TBR list.

Two great passages:

What may appear to be proud, ungrateful, and headstrong from the outside may from the inside express an unshakable integrity of character.  Pride, if is doesn't step over the line into arrogance, is simply an unprejudiced self-esteem.  Ingratitude is the appropriate response to a kindness that has hooks on it.  Headstrong is another word for trusting your own heart. -- pg. 103

There remains the question of meaning.  A frog turns into a prince.  A lost son is found.  A queen long dead steps down from her pedestal, flushed with life.  Is this wishful thinking?  Whistling in the dark?  And if it isn't, if such transformations are images of what can actually happen to us, in us, what do they entail?  What do they look and feel like? -- pg. 184

Side note: Listening to Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds while listening was a good choice.  Soothing acoustic music set the mood for this books.