Great Minds on Small Things: The Philosophers' Guide to Everyday Life

by Matthew Qvortrup

How to Be Perfect meets The Daily Stoic in this witty, entertaining, highly giftable compendium of quotidian wisdom

Three centuries ago, Voltaire published his Dictionnaire philosophique, taking in such idiosyncratic topics as adultery, mountains, nakedness, and others besides. In 1957, another French philosopher of more recent vintage, Roland Barthes, mused in his Mythologies on the masculine pursuits of wrestling, striptease and the Citroën DS. Since the dawn of philosophy, the world's great thinkers have been unable to resist the lure of applying their formidable brains not only to the meaning of life, but also to the meaning of coffee, trapped wind or efficient boiler installation.

Now, from Wollstonecraft to Wittgenstein, Laozi to Locke, Aristotle to Arendt, Great Minds on Small Things brings together their varied observations, alongside delightful black and white illustrations, in a highly entertaining and eye-opening miscellany that is guaranteed to make life’s mundanities suddenly seem a lot more highbrow.

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PRAISE FOR GREAT MINDS ON SMALL THINGS

'A tour de force of philosophical frivolity that enlightens as well as entertains'  Philosophy Now

Genres: Philosophy

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2023

Reviews

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S GREAT MINDS ON SMALL THINGS ABOUT?
In 1764, Voltaire published Dictionnaire philosophique. In 1957, Roland Barthes published Mythologies. In 1987, Quiddities: An Intermittently Philosophical Dictionary was published by W. V. Quine. Taking a little something from all of these (and others), in 2023, Matthew Qvortrup brought us Great Minds on Small Things: The Philosophers' Guide to Everyday Life.

This is a (brief) survey of what philosophers from Plato to George Santayana, and several points between (and a little spillover on either side) have to say about topics that aren't usually thought of as subjects of philosophical meditation. More like things discussed over beers with coworkers and friends, pontificated on by stand-up comics, or things that people mutter about on social media between photos of sandwiches or cats.

Rather than the meaning of life, the source of ethics, the nature of the will, or social contracts, Qvortrup collects thoughts on things like artichokes, smoking, hiccups, sports, sports, and more sports. Told with a little bit of humor and a clear familiarity with the thinkers and writers he's covering and quoting, Qvortrup's survey is both entertaining and educational.

THE BREADTH OF TOPICS
Qvortrup hits on so many things--here's a (very non-exhaustive) list that I compiled to give you a taste (the categories are mine, Qvortrup lists things alphabetically). The things I didn't jot down are just as varied and strange, let me add.

Food/Drink
• Artichoke
• Beer
• Breakfast
• Cheese
• Coffee
• Quiche
• Radishes
• Tea
• Tomato Juice
• Wine

Inventions
• Boilers
• Cars
• Ships
• Telephone

Pets
• Cats
• Dogs

 

Activities
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Dancing
• Football*
• Being Lazy
• Marriage
• Smoking
• Sneezing
• Tennis
• Wrestling

Human Bodies
• Excrement
• Farting
• Hiccups
• Laughter
• Penis
• Ticklishness
• Urination
• Winking
• Wiping (no, really)
• Yawning

* Sorry, Americans, he means "soccer."

And, sure, while this is about everyday things, Qvortrup does interact with some of the deeper thinkers in (mostly Western) history, and does end up brushing up against some of their deeper thoughts and categories--so, he includes a glossary to help readers like me get through it all.

ONE PROBLEM WITH THE TONE
Yes, I enjoy writers mixing humor (mild or otherwise) with deeper or controversial topics. Even just a lighter touch to writing is a winner for me. And Qvortrup makes this whole thing really amusing.

Sometimes, however, I had a hard time telling when he was exaggerating for humorous effect or just making a joke and when he was conveying actual information in a whimsical way. It doesn't take away the enjoyment from the reading--it just makes it hard to know what you can repeat in conversation or cite in writing (you know, if you're the kind of person who does that.)

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT GREAT MINDS ON SMALL THINGS?
I had a great time reading this book--it's a great mix of light reading with some interesting perspectives--and can easily be used as a launching point to further reading or research. "So-and-so used baseball to describe X economic principle, I want to see how that actually works out beyond this quick summary." "Hanna Arendt's personal story seems interesting, especially how it is expressed in Topic Y." It's also just fun to think about names you've read about (or maybe read) debating the type of breakfast that's best for productivity or enjoyment of life.

I do think it's best to dip in and out of the book, and not read from cover-to-cover the way I did. When I return, it will be to look at particular topics (not necessarily the ones I listed above).

My major complaint is the brevity of the book--I don't think most of the entries needed to be longer, I just wanted more entries. Some letters only have one thing listed. Sure, it has to be difficult to find everyday things that philosophers have opined about, but now that Qvortrup has shown us some, it's hard to believe there isn't more to see.

Pick this one up, folks, you'll have a good time.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Duckworth Books via NetGalley—thanks to both for this.

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

From dogs to hiccups to quiche and more, this well written compendium details the thoughts of famous philosophers on a wide range of subjects.

Interesting and entertaining, it's a great little book to refer to on the daily or just when you want a bit of unique trivia beyond the usual philosophical quotes that have done the rounds ad nauseum

This book was kindly given to me by NetGalley and my review is left voluntarily

[readeur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid. Great introduction to general philosophy from Plato's theory of forms to existentialism. The discursive tone was humorous and witty.

[JCJBergman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun lighthearted book which makes for an ample gimmicky gift for those with a basic interest in philosophy/philosophers. I was mildly entertained throughout. For what it is, it does the job.

[Bernie Gourley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was inspired by Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary, a collection of essays by the French polymath put out in several editions and which covered topics such as: "Adultery," "Free Will," "Kissing," and "Nakedness." In some ways, the inevitable comparison that results from such a "reboot" as this proves the connection between the books to be apt. But in at least one sense, the comparison is unfortunate.

On a superficial level, comparison is apt. Not only does this book expound upon a range of alphabetized topics, often of an "everyday" nature, but it uses many of Voltaire's topics. It should be noted that Qvortrup's book also includes many topics that Voltaire didn't address, notably topics such as "cars" that didn't exist in Voltaire's day. One difference that benefits the book greatly is that (as the title suggests,) Qvortrup's book draws on ideas of a wide range of thinkers, mostly philosophers but also artists of a philosophical bent. [Whereas, Voltaire's book is a single-point of view, his own.] The "great minds" in this book range from the ancient world to that of the present. While it is (by the author's admission) Western-centric, it does reference Eastern thinkers (e.g. Taoists and Buddhists) more than many books I've read that weren't as self-aware of their own Eurocentrism.

Where the comparison to Voltaire's dictionary is not so apt is that Qvortrup's book rarely mixes wit and stimulation in the way for which Voltaire had a genius. This doesn't mean Qvortrup's book isn't witty or thought-provoking, but just that it's rarely both, simultaneously. In dealing with a topic like flatulence it can be witty but trivial, in expounding on the ideas of Kant it is intriguing but not usually amusing. That said, the book is laden with interesting ideas and insights into seminal thinkers that most people will find unexpected, if quirky. It is also the case that the overall tone of this book is lighter and more aimed at amusement than is Voltaire.

I found this book to be compelling, readable, and well worth the time, and would recommend it for readers of pop philosophy.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr Qvortrup writes a column in a philosophy magazine and is obviously well read and deeply knowledgeable about a wide variety of philosophy and philosophers. For our amusement, he brings that learning to us by reference to farting, vegetables, buildings and sport. Which philosopher preferred baseball to basketball? Or who drank coffee rather than tea - or vice versa? Above all, this is very funny.

But it would be a mistake to think that the book is lighthearted nonsense. There is a lot going on here beneath the short little entries. This is the sort of book where you feel better having read it and want to go off and learn more.

This is a dictionary of sorts but I think it would be great to have on your phone so you could read an entry while waiting at the dentist, or in a queue. It would also be an amusing gift for an intelligent teenager thinking of doing a philosophy A Level or studying at university.

I was given a copy of the book by NetGalley

[Jacquie J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Minds on Small Things: The Philosophers' Guide to Everyday Life by Matthew Qvortrup is a witty collection that explores how some of history's greatest philosophers have pondered everyday topics. The book is structured alphabetically by topics, featuring these philosophers' musings on each. It explores their thoughts on subjects like bees, laziness, pets, jokes, and horses. It features well-known philosophers such as Aristotle, Socrates, Kant, and Wollstonecraft, as well as some lesser-known ones like Emily Thomas, Paul Lafargue, and Marsilius of Padua.

I found it funny and entertaining, but I also feel that I learned a lot from it. I was not familiar with many of the philosophers featured and was inspired to look them up to find out more about their work. It was a great source for escaping the everyday humdrum life of work, family, and commuting. It is a great read for someone looking for a humorous, light, but entertaining read.