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The Life of the Mind: On the Joys and Travails of Thinking
In The Life of the Mind , Georgetown University’s James V. Schall takes up the task of reminding us that, as human beings, we naturally take a special delight and pleasure in simply knowing. Because we have not only bodies but also minds, we are built to know what is .
In this volume, Schall, author of On the Unseriousness of Human Affairs , among many other volumes of philosophical and political reflection, discusses the various ways of approaching the delight of thinking and the way that this delight begins in seeing and hearing and even in making and walking. We must be attentive to and cultivate the needs of the mind, argues Schall, for it is through our intellect that all that is not ourselves is finally returned to us, allowing us to live in the light of truth.
In this volume, Schall, author of On the Unseriousness of Human Affairs , among many other volumes of philosophical and political reflection, discusses the various ways of approaching the delight of thinking and the way that this delight begins in seeing and hearing and even in making and walking. We must be attentive to and cultivate the needs of the mind, argues Schall, for it is through our intellect that all that is not ourselves is finally returned to us, allowing us to live in the light of truth.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
27 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
James V. Schall
91 books86 followersFr. James V. Schall, SJ was Professor of Political Philosophy at Georgetown University.
He was born in Pocahontas, Iowa, January 20, 1928. Educated in public schools in Iowa, he graduated in 1945 from Knoxville, Iowa High, and then attended University of Santa Clara. He earned an MA in Philosophy from Gonzaga University in 1945.
After time in the U.S. Army (1946-47), he joined the Society of Jesus (California Province) in 1948. He received a PhD in Political Theory from Georgetown University in 1960, and an MST from University of Santa Clara four years later. Fr. Schall was a member of the Faculty of Institute of Social Sciences, Gregorian University, Rome, from 1964-77, and a member of the Government Department, University of San Francisco, from 1968-77. He has been a member of the Government Department at Georgetown University since 1977.
Fr. Schall has written hundreds of essays on political, theological, literary, and philosophical issues in such journals as The Review of Politics, Social Survey (Melbourne), Studies (Dublin), The Thomist, Divus Thomas (Piacenza), Divinitas (Rome), The Commonweal, Thought, Modern Age, Faith and Reason, The Way (London), The New Oxford Review, University Bookman, Worldview, and many others. He contributes regularly to Crisis and Homiletic & Pastoral Review.
He iss the author of numerous books on social issues, spirituality, culture, and literature.
He was born in Pocahontas, Iowa, January 20, 1928. Educated in public schools in Iowa, he graduated in 1945 from Knoxville, Iowa High, and then attended University of Santa Clara. He earned an MA in Philosophy from Gonzaga University in 1945.
After time in the U.S. Army (1946-47), he joined the Society of Jesus (California Province) in 1948. He received a PhD in Political Theory from Georgetown University in 1960, and an MST from University of Santa Clara four years later. Fr. Schall was a member of the Faculty of Institute of Social Sciences, Gregorian University, Rome, from 1964-77, and a member of the Government Department, University of San Francisco, from 1968-77. He has been a member of the Government Department at Georgetown University since 1977.
Fr. Schall has written hundreds of essays on political, theological, literary, and philosophical issues in such journals as The Review of Politics, Social Survey (Melbourne), Studies (Dublin), The Thomist, Divus Thomas (Piacenza), Divinitas (Rome), The Commonweal, Thought, Modern Age, Faith and Reason, The Way (London), The New Oxford Review, University Bookman, Worldview, and many others. He contributes regularly to Crisis and Homiletic & Pastoral Review.
He iss the author of numerous books on social issues, spirituality, culture, and literature.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 26, 2025
The only non-fiction work that ever, at its conclusion, brought me to tears.
September 18, 2025
Skvelá kontemplatívna kniha od skvelého jezuitu Jamesa Schalla o zmysle, kráse či "rizikách" poznávania what is , o dobrých knihách, o klasickom vzdelávaní (áno, človek sa môže vzdelávať aj napriek tomu, že študuje na univerzite), a to všetko s prepájaním Snoopyho, Charlieho Browna, Platóna a Chestertona. Lovely.
October 12, 2017
Summary: A series of meditations “on the joys and travails of thinking” focused around the central idea that thinking is discovering “what is.”
It is likely the case that other creatures “think” but thinking is one of the things that particularly sets apart human beings. We may also recognize that it is possible to think well or poorly and that an education, even a liberal education, may not necessarily set us up to think well.
This is a book about thinking, about the use of our minds to think well. The chapters are a series of meditations on aspects of the life of the mind. Schall begins with a fundamental premise, that the life of the mind is about the discovery of what is. As a Platonist (and a Christian), he believes that there is a reality that is “not ourselves” and that it is possible to discover this what is, and that it is.
He begins, in the chapter “On the Joys and Travails of Thinking,” to introduce us to A. D. Sertillanges book The Intellectual Life and the “habits of mind” necessary to an intellectual life. This then leads to a broader discussion on “Books and the Intellectual Life” of the place of books in the discovery of what is. He reminds us that any truly great work is worth reading more than once. He concludes the chapter with this peroration:
“Tell me what you read and I will tell you what you are. In any intellectual life, books and the books we have around us do not just indicate where we started or where we have ended, but how we got there and why we did not go somewhere else or by some other path. They ground and provoke our inclination to know. Books and the intellectual life go together, provided we always remember that it is the books that are for the life of the mind and not the other way around” (p. 20).
In his chapter on the liberal arts, he observes that the liberal arts as opposed to the “useful” arts open us to the what is that we have not or cannot make. Then he moves to “wisdom” which is the fruit of liberal study and learning what is, that we might live well, employing our energies for what is best in ways that yield joy.
“On the Consolations of Illiteracy, Revisited” is a chapter of comfort for those who only later in life discover Plato and Aristotle, Augustine and Aquinas, and other great writers. Often, these works mean more than they possibly could when we were young and lacking in the experience of life. There is a marvelous little chapter on “The Metaphysics of Walking” which is yet another way of our encounters with what is, and that there is a long history of walking thinkers! Then he speaks of the joys of discovering “a most wonderful book.” Most bibliophiles have had this experience and will gladly share their most wonderful book.
In later chapters, he challenges the relativism of the modern academy and the idea that it is all about questions. He believes that good philosophy, and good teaching leads to answers, and not just questions.
He concludes these reflections with an observation that is worth chewing on: “In the end, it is indeed a ‘risk’ to be a human being. That risk consists largely in our choosing not to know what is because we do not want to know where such knowledge might lead us.” I’ve often found that in discussions of faith that the real issue is not an inability to believe, but an unwillingness to consider belief because of what that might mean in one’s life, where that might lead one. Thinking can be dangerous!
The book also includes three appendices including a list of twenty books to awaken the mind (!), a transcript of an interview in the National Review Online on Education and Knowledge, and the text of a talk he gave on “Reading for Clerics” that speaks compellingly to the importance of reading and thinking to maintain vitality for any who engage in ministry, lay or clergy.
While Schall is a Catholic priest, this is not a Christian or Catholic text. What it represents is a good example of a work written for a wider audience that draws on Plato and Aristotle, as well as on Christian thinkers. He does what I think scholars who are Christians in the public square ought to do: engage a subject in the language of their discipline while unashamedly speaking of the contribution of Christian thought to that discourse. That too, I would propose is one of the fruits of a long engagement with careful thinking, a seamless weaving together of faith and reason in helping all of us understand better what is.
It is likely the case that other creatures “think” but thinking is one of the things that particularly sets apart human beings. We may also recognize that it is possible to think well or poorly and that an education, even a liberal education, may not necessarily set us up to think well.
This is a book about thinking, about the use of our minds to think well. The chapters are a series of meditations on aspects of the life of the mind. Schall begins with a fundamental premise, that the life of the mind is about the discovery of what is. As a Platonist (and a Christian), he believes that there is a reality that is “not ourselves” and that it is possible to discover this what is, and that it is.
He begins, in the chapter “On the Joys and Travails of Thinking,” to introduce us to A. D. Sertillanges book The Intellectual Life and the “habits of mind” necessary to an intellectual life. This then leads to a broader discussion on “Books and the Intellectual Life” of the place of books in the discovery of what is. He reminds us that any truly great work is worth reading more than once. He concludes the chapter with this peroration:
“Tell me what you read and I will tell you what you are. In any intellectual life, books and the books we have around us do not just indicate where we started or where we have ended, but how we got there and why we did not go somewhere else or by some other path. They ground and provoke our inclination to know. Books and the intellectual life go together, provided we always remember that it is the books that are for the life of the mind and not the other way around” (p. 20).
In his chapter on the liberal arts, he observes that the liberal arts as opposed to the “useful” arts open us to the what is that we have not or cannot make. Then he moves to “wisdom” which is the fruit of liberal study and learning what is, that we might live well, employing our energies for what is best in ways that yield joy.
“On the Consolations of Illiteracy, Revisited” is a chapter of comfort for those who only later in life discover Plato and Aristotle, Augustine and Aquinas, and other great writers. Often, these works mean more than they possibly could when we were young and lacking in the experience of life. There is a marvelous little chapter on “The Metaphysics of Walking” which is yet another way of our encounters with what is, and that there is a long history of walking thinkers! Then he speaks of the joys of discovering “a most wonderful book.” Most bibliophiles have had this experience and will gladly share their most wonderful book.
In later chapters, he challenges the relativism of the modern academy and the idea that it is all about questions. He believes that good philosophy, and good teaching leads to answers, and not just questions.
He concludes these reflections with an observation that is worth chewing on: “In the end, it is indeed a ‘risk’ to be a human being. That risk consists largely in our choosing not to know what is because we do not want to know where such knowledge might lead us.” I’ve often found that in discussions of faith that the real issue is not an inability to believe, but an unwillingness to consider belief because of what that might mean in one’s life, where that might lead one. Thinking can be dangerous!
The book also includes three appendices including a list of twenty books to awaken the mind (!), a transcript of an interview in the National Review Online on Education and Knowledge, and the text of a talk he gave on “Reading for Clerics” that speaks compellingly to the importance of reading and thinking to maintain vitality for any who engage in ministry, lay or clergy.
While Schall is a Catholic priest, this is not a Christian or Catholic text. What it represents is a good example of a work written for a wider audience that draws on Plato and Aristotle, as well as on Christian thinkers. He does what I think scholars who are Christians in the public square ought to do: engage a subject in the language of their discipline while unashamedly speaking of the contribution of Christian thought to that discourse. That too, I would propose is one of the fruits of a long engagement with careful thinking, a seamless weaving together of faith and reason in helping all of us understand better what is.
May 22, 2023
Based. Disjointed, but based.
February 8, 2025
Nice book on the contemplative life; hoping to read Sertillanges next. Schall's Catholicism is present all throughout the book, but if you get past the theology, there's much useful, refreshing, and inspiring about this book. I find it cute that he refers to Peanuts so much as a reputable source. Blending classic comics, classical philosophy, and Thomism, Schall delightfully attests to the importance of being an intellectual, which doesn't mean being an academic, but continuing to learn, exercising one's curiosity, and seeking after truth. His enjoyment of reading and walking come across very clearly. I hope one day to write my own version of this book, which most likely will not be Catholic.
September 25, 2017
Every so often you come across a book that is tremendously affirming to what you already think to be the case but says it with a lucidity and a brilliance you could only ever dream of. For me, this was that kind of book. Mr. Schall's dexterity and wit is on display as he makes his case for why everyone should strive to be readers and thinkers; not for pride or arrogance sake but because our minds are gifts from God and to allow them to turn into some form of YouTube-ian mush is a great shame.
He does not want us to all become professional philosophers or think-tank experts. We need only open our eyes and our minds to what is before us, or in his favored phrase "what is". If we have eyes to see, we will be enraptured by the world, by the things not ourselves but which lead to a better understanding of ourselves. This is the pursuit of knowledge and truth, and it is part of the experience of being human. To neglect such a task is to truly miss something.
Mr. Schall's erudition is highlighted by his ability to jump between Aristotle, Voegelin, Peanuts (yes, the Charlie Brown cartoon), Chesterton, and Belloc all to make a single point. And it is a wonderful merry-go-round of writings and excerpts he shares. I truly would recommend this book to anyone who feels that there is more to this world than news feeds, late night talk shows, and HBO series (albeit, they all have their proper place). I assert once more though that Schall does not call for us all to become scholars of Plato or Aquinas. Only that we may benefit greatly by listening to a few things they have said and contemplating the great gift of Creation (both nature and our fellow man).
He does not want us to all become professional philosophers or think-tank experts. We need only open our eyes and our minds to what is before us, or in his favored phrase "what is". If we have eyes to see, we will be enraptured by the world, by the things not ourselves but which lead to a better understanding of ourselves. This is the pursuit of knowledge and truth, and it is part of the experience of being human. To neglect such a task is to truly miss something.
Mr. Schall's erudition is highlighted by his ability to jump between Aristotle, Voegelin, Peanuts (yes, the Charlie Brown cartoon), Chesterton, and Belloc all to make a single point. And it is a wonderful merry-go-round of writings and excerpts he shares. I truly would recommend this book to anyone who feels that there is more to this world than news feeds, late night talk shows, and HBO series (albeit, they all have their proper place). I assert once more though that Schall does not call for us all to become scholars of Plato or Aquinas. Only that we may benefit greatly by listening to a few things they have said and contemplating the great gift of Creation (both nature and our fellow man).
August 5, 2008
THIS is one of those unique books that you can return to again and again and always learn something new. The genius of the book is the way it approaches the gaining of wisdom from different perspectives. Thinking, walking, reading, and meditating come to mind as ideas essayed in this small book that is large in its wealth of ideas. In what perhaps could be considered the signature essay of the book, "On Taking Care of One's Own Wisdom" we learn about the importance of understanding ourselves and the world. The title is a reference to Samuel Johnson who, Schall explains, argues that each individual is "ultimately responsible for [their] own learning of what is true." He says further, "It is only by the activity of our won minds, whereby we intentionally possess the universe, that wisdom may become ours."
The essays in this book do not give or provide wisdom, but do show the ways each of us may educate ourselves. The book leans heavily on the classic authors from Aristotle to Arendt and, yes, most of them are dead, but their thoughts are still worthwhile for our edification. There are many aspects of the book that recommend it from the chapter epigraphs to the appendices and bibliography. If the essays have not stirred your mind enough Shall provides a list of twenty books "That Awaken the Mind". This is a gem of a book for readers who delight in the opportunity to engage in the search for wisdom.
The essays in this book do not give or provide wisdom, but do show the ways each of us may educate ourselves. The book leans heavily on the classic authors from Aristotle to Arendt and, yes, most of them are dead, but their thoughts are still worthwhile for our edification. There are many aspects of the book that recommend it from the chapter epigraphs to the appendices and bibliography. If the essays have not stirred your mind enough Shall provides a list of twenty books "That Awaken the Mind". This is a gem of a book for readers who delight in the opportunity to engage in the search for wisdom.
June 11, 2024
Meandering, not as sharp as another book of his essays, and the essays don't flow together to make a book-length argument. Fun to read though.
December 3, 2020
First of all, Schall is a Roman Catholic and writes with a Catholic perspective. Many of the authors he quotes are Catholic. Some of the chapters are taken from articles he had written for publication elsewhere.
Much of the book is devoted to the mind's quest for "what is." From the introduction: The life of the mind is indeed concerned with distinguishing lies from truth, error from reason. We want to know these things--what is truth? what is error? what is reasonable? what is a lie?--for their own sakes, because that activity of knowing these things is our life; it is our mind.
I would have given this book a higher rating but thought the author rambled on in places, and the book didn't always seem connected to the thesis statement above.
BTW, the best place to look for what is, is the inerrant living Word of God, the Bible, not the world's philosophers or histories.
Much of the book is devoted to the mind's quest for "what is." From the introduction: The life of the mind is indeed concerned with distinguishing lies from truth, error from reason. We want to know these things--what is truth? what is error? what is reasonable? what is a lie?--for their own sakes, because that activity of knowing these things is our life; it is our mind.
I would have given this book a higher rating but thought the author rambled on in places, and the book didn't always seem connected to the thesis statement above.
BTW, the best place to look for what is, is the inerrant living Word of God, the Bible, not the world's philosophers or histories.
January 22, 2020
Nothing particularly new here from Schall, but as always there is a joy that seems to run through his work. His openess to wonder in the life of the mind with a simultaneous call for discipline, is a call to take this journey seriously but not morosely. His ideas about how it is through the life of the mind that we can encounter the "other" whilst still being a self is stabilizing and encouraging. There is nothing stodgy about this work and if thinking is something you want to do more of, reading this book would be a good furtherance of that goal.
June 6, 2020
An interesting discussion on understanding the things that are important to maintaining one's love for philosophical and intellectual pursuits. Definitely geared more towards a Christian or classical philosophy student with its leanings towards Plato, Aristotle, and Augustine.
This is definitely a book you can come back to from time to time, throughout the rest of your life, and help to keep your mind more in tune with that of the philosophical training that you both received and still wish to maintain.
This is definitely a book you can come back to from time to time, throughout the rest of your life, and help to keep your mind more in tune with that of the philosophical training that you both received and still wish to maintain.
August 15, 2017
There's a lot of this that went right over my head but I think if I read it again after acquainting myself better with some of the ancient philosophers, I'll get more out of it.
At times the language seemed to be more convoluted than absolutely necessary but there were also A LOT of enlightening parts too. I also wish it was available in kindle form.
At times the language seemed to be more convoluted than absolutely necessary but there were also A LOT of enlightening parts too. I also wish it was available in kindle form.
October 7, 2022
This books seems like the right book at the right time for me. A wonderful look at the intellectual life and most particularly in reading. Schall constantly looks at the classics for insight as a wonderful reminder that most of the great things we have yet to learn have already been said and are just in need of discovery.
June 22, 2020
A must for anyone who wants to take up reading or who's already into reading. You'll get a lot of answers to the questions surrounding the uselessness of reading, thinking and in general, the purpose of philosophy, which is the end to which reading is often the means of reaching.
April 7, 2019
This book added at least three other books to my reading list and was a wealth of amazing quotes and ideas.
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October 18, 2021Reference Schall's Appendix 1 for twenty book recommendations.
*Re-read after I've read Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Augustine, Josef Pieper, and Boswell's Life of Johnson
*Re-read after I've read Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Augustine, Josef Pieper, and Boswell's Life of Johnson
January 5, 2023
Very good, but a little scattered.
October 24, 2012
Enjoyable book and short. I like his central premises, mainly that wisdom should always be obtained to bring about the fullness of the human mind. He shows that, without searching for wisdom, the human mind does not do all that it is meant to do. We are meant to determine the truth of things, to ask what is as the utmost question. I also appreciated his exhortations to constantly be reading but to also understand the risks we run as humans who might eventually conclude there can be no absolute truth.
A fun book but was likely wasted on me. I had a good sense coming in about the reasons for reading, finding the truth, and training the mind to ask penetrating questions. I could, however, improve on that, which might be obtained by reading this book again further down the road. But, not terribly accessible to the lay reader, as the majority of references rely on Catholic theology and some truly heady philosophers. Still, the book might perhaps induce someone to read those authors to reach a better understanding of the world.
A fun book but was likely wasted on me. I had a good sense coming in about the reasons for reading, finding the truth, and training the mind to ask penetrating questions. I could, however, improve on that, which might be obtained by reading this book again further down the road. But, not terribly accessible to the lay reader, as the majority of references rely on Catholic theology and some truly heady philosophers. Still, the book might perhaps induce someone to read those authors to reach a better understanding of the world.
January 31, 2015
Time will tell but my first impression of this book is that it is very important. In particular to those that may have just realized that their education is lacking and they are interested in looking for answered about what it means to be and how best to live out our lives. This isn't a book about philosophy per se, but it is a book about how to pursue new found passions for knowledge of what is by reading the great philosophers and theologians of the western tradition. Highly recommended for anyone interested in expanding their abilities to read the right books and come to the true answers.
June 21, 2016
The Life of the Mind is a group of repeated essays on the joys on the intellectual life. It is a practical guide to taking Plato's advice of living an examined life. There is also a good reading list at the end of the book for further reading into some of the topics.
June 22, 2016
Pieper, intellectual life, liberal education, etc. It's essentially a sentimental introduction to "The Idea of a University," "Leisure: The Basis of Culture," and Sertillanges. An enjoyable read, nonetheless.
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November 21, 2009None
January 18, 2016
Poorly cobbled together, quote-happy in a decidedly Dreherian fashion, and simplistic to a fault, I found this book unremarkable.
November 8, 2016
This is a lovely philosophical book about the love of learning. Schall is infinitely charming and insightful.
October 4, 2014
A bit too much Aristotle and Plato, but great insight and commentary.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews