How to Burn a Goat: Farming with the Philosophers

by Scott H. Moore

The ancient Roman orator Cicero famously believed, "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." Contemporary philosopher Scott H. Moore agrees and puts this celebrated aphorism to the test. In  How to Burn a Goat: Farming with the Philosophers , Moore speculates on the practice of farming through the lens of philosophy and literature. He weaves together a tapestry of philosophical reflections on work and leisure, the nature of the virtues, and the role and limitations of technology and higher education with personal reflections on the joys and trials of farm life on his Crawford, Texas, farm. Full of self-deprecating humor, Moore relates his own experience of a philosopher turned farmer. His efforts at scholar-farmer are haunted by questions from the world’s great minds―"Does Plato’s ‘city of sows’ ring true?," "Can Ockham help break a recalcitrant heifer?," "How can Heidegger help with raising swine?," "What insights does Iris Murdoch offer for pest control?" Combining insight with down-to-earth vignettes, Moore joins Wendell Berry, E. B. White, George Orwell, and many more in recognizing the truths deeply rooted in the management of the practical affairs of a farm. Moore argues that a return to agrarian roots is needed to restore Aristotelian wonder and wisdom in a world increasingly defined by technology. Rejecting the idea that humans are simply cogs in a wheel, he shows how greater human happiness can be found in the meaningful labor of tending to nature, rather than the ever-expanding march of automation.

Genres: Philosophy, Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2023

About the author

Scott H. Moore is the Associate Professor of Philosophy and Great Texts and Assistant Director of the University Scholars Program at Baylor University.

Reviews

[Beth Easter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an exercise in delight! Dr. Moore’s wit and wisdom make this collection of stories and essays refreshing and grounding. His reflections explore the intertwining forces of leisure, work, wonder, and delight within a full and flourishing human life. I’ve had the privilege of studying with Dr. Moore, and this book captures so much of his humor, kindness, honesty, and excellence. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on techne and the right understanding of “the nice” and “the good.” Get this book for yourself or give it as a gift. It’s smart and so much fun.

[Jeff Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moore and his family are novice farmers. They have farming in their family backgrounds but did not actually purchase or live and work on a farm until later in life. Moore is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Great Texts at Baylor University. While his name is on the book, he assures us in the introduction, that his wife not only does the brunt of the farming, but also had significant editorial access to the stories and essays in this book.

Some of the stories Moore tells on himself and his family are laugh out loud funny. Catching loose or wayward pigs and cows leads to quite an adventure and an amusing opportunity to work with the neighbors. The stories often lead to deeper connections with the Bible, philosophy, Christian ethics, literature, and our contemporary culture. The title of the book is the first story. So, when a goat dies, what does one do with it? Then, there is an interesting reflection about the ancient Biblical practice of sacrificing animals. What did that really entail and how long did it take? I've been reading and commenting on the Bible for decades and I never thought about sacrifices from that angle.

Moore also includes literary and philosophical essays in this collection. I appreciated his comparison and contrast of Gene Logsdon, Wendell Berry, and Joel Salatin. In that essay, Moore focused on the men's faith and how it applies to their farming practices and writing. I also enjoyed the essays that reflected on the writings of Iris Murdock, the philosopher and novelist. I do not know much about her but Moore provides a good introduction to her work and concerns.

This book was time well spent. I look forward to reading more of Scott H. Moore.

[Jack Clemans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I could give it 4.5 stars because the parts that I enjoyed were deeply meaningful and lasting. This is a deceptively engaging book that could very easily be read as a daily devotional, with lessons and stories that are sure to change with every read and each new reading. I only pull back to 4 stars because the book had some minor identity issues. At times the Moore would plainly share stories of his experience for the reader to interpret, and by doing so these stories would come alive, and I would find myself debating them in my head throughout my day, reflecting on what they mean for life and nature and beauty and the good. Other times some of the stories would wax poetic. Moore was saying a lot during these digressions, but they were less engaging and could even come off as high-brow waxing philosophic at time which was a big jump from the tangible mysterious lessons I gleaned from his more simple stories. Overall, loved the book. It is one I will likely come back to as I continue to cultivate my own acres, in all of the senses of the term.

[Meredith Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating mix between farming and philosophy, this book manages to explore a multitude of juxtapositions. Moore evaluates tradition in light of modernity, philosophy in light of Christianity, and farming in light of all of the above. The short essays flow beautifully into each other and the ending comes wonderfully full circle. The balance between very short essays and slightly longer short essays is nicely handled as is the balance between humor and philosophy. Overall, it's a really wonderful, insightful, and funny book.

However, this is not an intro to philosophy and the amount of references to literature (both philosophical and otherwise) mean that the reader should have some level of knowledge of these topics and themes in order to fully appreciate the conversation being had within the essays. But that is not mandatory obviously, and there is still much to be gained from reading.

[Deborah Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of essays about farming, philosophy and Christian faith is made all the better since I have met and conversed with both Dr. Moore and his wife, Andrea. We have stayed at The Cottage at Benedict Farm a number of times and have found it to be a wonderful experience for adults and our grandson alike. His easy, conversational tone in this book makes his theories and ideas accessible, and it offers amusing and touching stories of the experience of being a "gentleman farmer."
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the essays, especially the ones about the animals and how they came to learn about the care and feeding (and disposing of) all the various breeds they came to raise. Having been on the farm with the sheep, pigs, chickens, cows, miniature horses and donkeys, I loved learning more about their origins. I can't wait to go back again.

[Jessica Hurlburt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished this book at ball practice today. It was a fun read. If you like hobby farming, philosophy, or animals, I can honestly say you’ll enjoy. I found my self educated, entertained, and enlightened. The second pic is one of my favorite parts! I pray Psalm 23 every night and have my kids memorize it, but I have NEVER made the connection of livestock laying down in geez pastures. #hurlingtheburts #homesteading #philosophy

[Bryan Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book.

What a refreshing contrast of sharp, dry wit and wisdom wrapped up in one book.

Dr. Moore never let a good self-deprecating laugh go without a meaningful lesson.

Would recommend this book to anyone, truly!

[Rachel Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how easy this book was to read. It had a lot of funny stories and was a reality check for anyone who flippantly says that they want to live on a farm, lol. I impulsively grabbed this book at Fabled on my birthday in 2021 and I was glad to finally get around to reading it!

[Lily Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt like a conversation with a friend who happens to be a Berry and Murdoch groupie!

“Curioisness is for acquiring objects.
Studiousness is for receiving gifts known by participation since their very natures can never be possessed. “

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very nice anthology of anecdotes from being a new farmer, and also some more philosophical pieces on farming.

[David Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read in some time. It was funny and littered with nuggets of that which is good. I found it to be a real exercise in wonder and finding meaning in a life that is so full of miracles that they are consistently overlooked and under-cherished.

[Alex McDougall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great bit of essays on farm life from a great professor.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

And, yet.