The Life of the Mind: Vols 1&2 (Combined 2 Volumes in 1) by Hannah Arendt

The Life of the Mind: Vols 1&2 (combined 2 volumes in 1) by Hannah Arendt is an exploration of what it means to think and be critical as a human being. This book explores a wide range of topics, from the concept of judgment to the idea of a thinking being itself. In this two-volume collection, Arendt argues for the value of freedom in thinking and being critical.

Arendt was a German-born American political theorist, author and professor. She is best known for her iconic work on Nazi Germany’s totalitarianism and the works of other theorists such as Karl Marx, Aristotle and Martin Heidegger. She is also famous for her writings on the concept of a "Right to Have Rights."

The Life of the Mind focuses on the power of thinking and reflecting and not simply on the outward manifestation of Nazi totalitarianism. Arendt’s thoughts on this are shaped by her notions of what is meant by "thinking", which she defines as a free and independent activity and as an intellectual exercise. In the first volume of the work, Arendt discusses the importance of keeping one’s thoughts open and free from outside influences, as well as the need for critical reflection on the part of the thinker. She does this by examining the power of the individual and their thinking within the framework of a collective.

In Volume 2 of The Life of the Mind, Arendt looks at the idea of judgment and its utilization in different contexts. She speaks of how judgment is something that is required when making sense of the world and how it can inform our decisions. Arendt also delves into the idea of thinking as a way to engage with the world and with other people, regardless of our disagreement.

Arendt’s work in The Life of the Mind offers a comprehensive overview of thinking and being critical. Throughout the two volumes of this book, she looks at the nature of thinking and how it can be exercised to make better decisions and form better judgment. Arendt also emphasizes that thinking can be viewed as something more than just a tool of rationalization and as something that has a moral and emotional charge.

The Life of the Mind can be seen as an important contribution to understanding the complex nature of thinking and being critical. In this powerful two-volume collection, Arendt explores a wide range of topics, from the concept of judgment to the idea of a thinking being itself. Through her work, Arendt offers a comprehensive overview of thinking and being critical, providing readers with valuable insight into the nature of thinking and a critical perspective on the world.