The Hungry Soul: Eating and the Perfecting of Our Nature

Based on the opening chapters I expected more than I ultimately got. I am not sure what I was supposed to take away from this study. It was less profound than I was led to expect. It has caused me to pursue further reading in the area, though.

In Chapter 2, Kass disparages “sharply divorc[ing] man from the animal world” (page 60). Citing that “Christian beliefs… elevate human beings to a more-than-animal”. And yet Kass has consistently glorified mundane aspects of humanity. Instead of praising our abilities of free will or knowledge of good and evil, Kass overly glorifies mundane aspects of existence.I am equally vexed by the way Kass describes the beginning of human habits and virtue which he says (or quotes others saying) originate from simple human anatomy. “The dressing and apportioning of meat necessarily brought each family together…The meal may also be held responsible for the birth of languages…” (Brillat-Savarin quoted on page 133). This is mere speculation, and not any sort of proof. Socrates can be forgiven for fabricating etymologies and wrongly theorizing anthropological history because that field of study did not exist. But it exists now and is its own science. Any evidence of prehistoric human development will come from there; not philosophy. And earlier, “Though [the Cyclops] goes on two legs, there is nothing upright in his posture and attitude toward the world.” (page 112). But the Odyssey is a story, not a scientific treatise. Kass continually over extrapolates meaning from the meaningless. Proofs from nonproofs.

Bought this book because it was mentioned in an article that I was reading about Mankind's place in the universe.The writing style is exquisite and thought provoking. You will never think of the human race in the same light again.We are so much more than a higher level of animal. And we are meant for so much more. Our stucture and form are no accidents.

I'm very grateful for the effort and expertise of this author. He uses his professional knowledge to dive deep into uncharted territories and bravely contest the status quo with solid, thought-provoking arguments. The first chapter alone is enough to have made this book well worth purchasing.

Kass presents a profound, thought-provoking look at the human condition, where we are and where we may be going. I found the reading somewhat tedious and the use of the many parentheses distracting. That said, it is a scholarly work.

i needed this for my pysch class and it was a very good read, but i thought it was a little too expensive for my taste

Some highlighting but okay

Great book. Just as advertised. Thanks!

L'originalité de cet ouvrage, c'est son caractère philosophique. L'analyse de l'acte alimentaire atteint ainsi une profondeur à laquelle la méthode strictement psychologique ou sociologique ne peut prétendre. Les références sont nombreuses et bien choisies. Comme pour tout ouvrage de philosophie, la lecture demande un certain effort, mais "l'âme affamée" ("The hungry soul") du lecteur en sort nourrie, enrichie.

Great book, profound meaning to the act of eating and consuming food. The author makes a good connection between the physical aspects and the spiritual aspects of human nature.The book came in good condition, but just a lot of comments and underlining by the previous owner.