Jekaterina > Recent Status Updates

He’s mocking Aristotle for explaining that heavy things are drawn to the centre of the earth where they may rest. 😄 Newton is about 9 at the time of writing of this book.

How far we have come as a society! The two ideas that stand out are a) we no longer seek to appease the ‘bad’, as it will only enhance their appetites. Instead, todays social contract is based on both the restriction of the ‘bad’ and the support of the ‘good’. b) we no longer submit to the absolute power of a single man, but a single body of laws, that are perceived as just, or changeable, and applicable to all.

This is exactly the kind of thinking we’ve been fighting over the past 4 centuries since he wrote the book. “Nor does it alter the case of Honour, whether an action ... be just or unjust : for Honour consisteth onely in the opinion of Power.” 🤨 I need to take this like a vaccine - small doses of poison to build resistance to it.

NOT Basics. His interpretation of historical change and the overall prevalence of subjective opinion warrants subtracting ‘Basics’ from the title and moving it to the commentary and opinion section.

Very succinct. However, he already expresses his personal views on the monarchy and the EU as fact. These are highly divisive issues in the British society and there are as many people, if not more, that would disagree with his views.

Published in 1941, this short read gives a glimpse of the world of Brexiteers

It’s geographical span means that for first time my disparate reading about European cities, towns, countries and empires, as well as those in the Mahrib, Muddle East and Asia are all brought together and show how historical events in one area were part of bigger trends in the world.

Brilliant! Rich and easy reading, often viewing historical events from a different perspective to which most of us are used to, and revealing interesting new facts.

Made me aware of the fact that the two cultures are more different than I originally thought. The conclusion provides helpful tables comparing the major differences within research that is centrally interested in causal inference, as covered by this book. In the end, the two cultures are not contradictory, but rather complementary.

An academic, peer reviewed, well presented and clear review of main qualitative and quantitive research methods. It focuses on the comparison of logic and set theory versus the statistical and probabilistic approaches, and posits that they the two have more in common than their respective cultures tend to admit.

Monumental work, that I suspect only a professor of his magnitude can attempt. Fairly balanced. Does not annoy you with those overt political leanings. This was a major plus for me. However, it won’t inspire you unless it is already relevant to something that preoccupies you. I can’t say it’s a light read.

What the EU is and how it works is half of the context of this book. Unfortunately, either the government, but more likely the author are very unfamiliar with it. The EU is viewed from the perspective of a bicameralist, with no clue about the level of consensus and negotiation necessary in the process of a multiparty system. If this is the voice of the influencers in the UK, no wonder it voted to leave the EU!

Another year that I'm reading it, mostly in the winter time. It is so rich in information and texture! I see the past revealed to me. There's little politicisation. Events as described fit with all world views, and appear logical and authentic. Written with deliberation and care. I value this book as much for the form as for the content. Judt makes me more professional, detached, objective and meticulous.