A Thousand Small Sanities
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | May 14, 2019 |
| Founder | Adam Gopnik |
| Products | Nonfiction book |
| Parent | Basic Books |
A Thousand Small Sanities: The Moral Adventure of Liberalism is a nonfiction work examining liberalism, authored by American writer Adam Gopnik. Released by Basic Books on May 14, 2019, the book garnered a variety of critical responses.
Summary
Gopnik contends that liberals and the ideology of liberalism are subject to criticism from both the right and left. He presents liberalism as more than mere "political centrism or the concept of free markets," describing it instead as encompassing "affirmative, inclusive progress across social and political arenas," with the goal of elucidating liberalism’s foundational values and its significance in contemporary society.
Themes
The narrative delves into concepts such as liberalism, pragmatism, humanism, and conservatism. It examines the origins of liberal and conservative thought, highlighting historical figures now regarded as liberals—like Harriet Taylor Mill, Frederick Douglass, Emma Goldman, Bayard Rustin, George Eliot, and E. D. Morel—rather than focusing on classical 17th-18th century Western philosophers or the Founding Fathers.
Gopnik promotes a gradualist, inclusive approach to liberalism, cautioning against the "far-left extremes" that attempt to "impose a singular definition of liberty," a tendency historically associated with authoritarian regimes. The book urges members of the Democratic Party to move away from progressive policies prevalent in 2020, advocating instead for a liberalism characterized by being "pragmatic, skeptical, cautious, reform-minded, and moderate," thereby fostering a centrist "political equilibrium" between opposing ideological poles.
Reception
In a review for The New Republic, David Sessions criticized the book for relying more on emotional appeal than a thorough understanding of political and economic dynamics. He labeled it an "aimless journey through loosely connected clichés," reflecting a stagnation in intellectual development within the American elite since the early 21st century.
On the other hand, Gabino Iglesias offered praise on National Public Radio, describing it as a "Sophie's World tailored for politically conscious adults." Iglesias appreciated its skill in breaking down intricate ideas but noted that its divisive nature makes it challenging to fully endorse or reject.
External links
- A Thousand Small Sanities. Official publisher page. August 2019.