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.

★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
<i>This originally appeared at <a href="https://irresponsiblereader.com/2024/04/23/great-minds-on-small-things-by-matthew-qvortrup-philosophers-addressing-ordinary-life/" target="_blank">The Irresponsible Reader</a>.</i>
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WHAT'S <I>GREAT MINDS ON SMALL THINGS</I> ABOUT?
In 1764, Voltaire published <b>Dictionnaire philosophique</b>. In 1957, Roland Barthes published <b>Mythologies</b>. In 1987, <b>Quiddities: An Intermittently Philosophical Dictionary</b> was published by W. V. Quine. Taking a little something from all of these (and others), in 2023, Matthew Qvortrup brought us <b>Great Minds on Small Things: The Philosophers' Guide to Everyday Life</b>.

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.
<div id="Section1" dir="ltr" style="column-count: 2;"><span style="color: #6b0505;"><strong>Food/Drink</strong></span>
• Artichoke
• Beer
• Breakfast
• Cheese
• Coffee
• Quiche
• Radishes
• Tea
• Tomato Juice
• Wine

<span style="color: #6b0505;"><strong>Inventions</strong></span>
• Boilers
• Cars
• Ships
• Telephone

<span style="color: #6b0505;"><strong>Pets</strong></span>
• Cats
• Dogs

&nbsp;

<span style="color: #6b0505;"><strong>Activities</strong></span>
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Dancing
• Football<span style="color: #6b0505;">*</span>
• Being Lazy
• Marriage
• Smoking
• Sneezing
• Tennis
• Wrestling

<span style="color: #6b0505;"><strong>Human Bodies</strong></span>
• Excrement
• Farting
• Hiccups
• Laughter
• Penis
• Ticklishness
• Urination
• Winking
• Wiping (no, really)
• Yawning

</div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i><span style="color: #6b0505;">*</span> Sorry, Americans, he means "soccer."</i></span>

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 <I>GREAT MINDS ON SMALL THINGS</I>?
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.


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

This was an okay-ish book for me.
I like books that have more % of thoughts than quotes of what others in history said about things. or, if quoting, then there is more expansion on it, some pov, something that makes me think a bit more beyond the page.
I read it in bits, a few letters at a time, otherwise it would become a little boring.
It was a lighthearted read.
1 extra star for the author's research and efforts.

As a Philosophy PhD student, I am always excited to come across books that are making philosophy more accessible.

This book is full of small philosophical musings on various topics, some more entertaining than others.

The small stories and lovely illustrations make this a pleasure to read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the earc.

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

Great Minds on Small Things by Matthew Qvortrup is a delightful exploration of philosophy’s application to everyday life. The book is a compilation of wisdom from philosophers across time and space, applied to seemingly mundane topics.
Qvortrup, an expert in philosophy, takes us on a journey through the alphabet, uncovering what philosophers wrote about ordinary topics such as beer, lipstick quiche and yawning. From Wollstonecraft to Wittgenstein, Laozi to Locke, Aristotle to Arendt, the book covers observations from a variety of philosophers.
The book is entertaining and eye-opening collection. The philosophers’ insights into everyday life make the ordinary seem a lot more highbrow. For instance, Aristotle’s views on ‘farting’ and Wollstonecraft’s thoughts on ‘cheese’ are both amusing and provocative. The book successfully bridges the gap between high philosophy and everyday life, making philosophy accessible and relevant.
However, the book’s strength is also its weakness. The breadth of topics covered means that some topics are not explored in depth with only a paragraph for some topics. While this makes for a light and entertaining read, those seeking a deep dive into philosophy might be left wanting. The second weakness which Qvortrup acknowledges from the onset is that the book only focuses on Western philosophers.
On the whole, Great Minds on Small Things is a clever, interesting, and entertaining book. It offers a fresh perspective on philosophy and its relevance to everyday life. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy or those looking for a unique, enlightening and entertaining read.

A cute little book which lists various topics that various philosophers have written about at one time or another.
It's quite amusing in the topics, ranging from farts to noise to sport.
A quick read.

I found this to be a rather idiosyncratic book but one that was quite interesting. It worked best for me when I dipped in for random small doses. This book based on philosophy but delivered with the unique perspective of the author.

Organized by the alphabet, there are exactly what the title describes: Great Minds on Small Things. For example, with the letter B, the author thinks about de Beauvoir’s comment on her bath and takes off from there. Just a couple of other letters and topics to give the flavor would be L where there are entries on laziness and listening among others; for T there is Tea. So, if this sounds like your cuppa, give this one a look. For a bonus, there are illustrations.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Philosophical Musings Miscellany..
An eclectic and engaging miscellany of philosophical musings on the smaller things in life. Great minds on the little things. Amusing and entertaining, packed with little gems of worldly wisdom and quotable snippets - perfect to drop in on conversations! Nicely compiled and perfectly illustrated.

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.

Great book. Definitely something I will reference back to on life’s little things. I enjoy the layout and the little stories.

I didn't know there were so many Philosophers until I read this book and laughed at some of the insights they had on things such as birthmarks, buildings, breakfast and bread-if you get this please read about cats, because it's hilarious how a group of people can disagree on everything but the feline!
I love this and the humor and research that went into this makes this quite the read.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

Qvortrup’s "Great Minds on Small Things" is a book that lists various philosophers’ utterances on mundane things that are a part of quotidian life. We think that ordinary happenings or bodily functions are not the focal points of philosophers. However, this book belies that belief. The book peeks at the “weird and wonderful world of the greatest minds on life’s smallest matters”. The language and pacing of the book seem to be directed towards young readers who might not possess a college-level vocabulary.
The Foreword to the book claims that it is “perhaps the world’s first collection of sayings, remarks and utterances on life’s mundanities by some of the most famous philosophers of the time”. The Foreword also claims that it is a witty book. However, the beginning of this book is a bit dull, and I might go as far as to say it might fail to engage a young reader. The narrative gives tiny glimpses of some philosophers’ core beliefs and their agreements and contentions with other philosophers. It might pique the curiosity of some readers to search for and delve deeper into those philosophers’ ideas. The book has funny moments, just enough to keep an avid reader’s attention. Overall, it is an average book with some engaging entries, making it a good starting book for a person taking their first hesitant steps towards Philosophy.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy this book.

This is a unique collection of sayings, remarks, and thoughts on the mundane aspects of life from some of the most renowned philosophers in history. The format of this book is like a dictionary, which adds an intriguing twist.

While some may perceive this endeavor as frivolous or pointless, I believe it offers an opportunity for both entertainment and introspection. This book not only presents musings that provoke reflection and philosophical pondering, but also delves into broader debates and discussions. It appeals to those seeking something beyond the ordinary, yet still holds a deep appreciation for the eccentric and brilliant minds that have shaped our world of ideas over the centuries.

Occasionally, these great thinkers venture beyond their usual topics and share their wisdom on unexpected subjects such as vegetables (Wittgenstein), buildings (Heidegger), food (Hobbes), wine (Locke), and even feces(Plato). More than two hundred and fifty years ago, the French philosopher Voltaire published his Dictionnaire Philosophique (1764), which courageously explored adultery, mountains, nakedness, and numerous other seemingly unphilosophical matters. Another noteworthy French philosopher Barthes continued this tradition in his book Mythologies (1957), offering philosophical insights on topics as wide-ranging as striptease, wrestling, and the innovative Citroën DS of that time.

This compilation brings together the diverse thoughts of these intellectual giants, enlightening us on life's small but significant aspects, including makeup, zealots, sex, farts, cats, coffee, beer, and bees.

This book is delightful, providing concise and captivating reads on various subjects, and serving as an introduction to these esteemed philosophers.

It's a great book for anyone, regardless of their background or interests.

Absolutely adorable, full of quick reads on direct topics, a fun introduction to a bunch of philosophers.

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

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.

This was much more interesting and funnier than I had expected. It just shows that many things do not change much over the centuries. We had a good laugh at many of the entries.

An accessible, funny, and random guide to philosophy, in bite sizes. I appreciate that there's everything from Artichokes to Beer to Birthmarks here. I also like that it doesn't have to be read in order, lets me jump around without missing things. Thanks for the ARC!

This book cracked me up. It could have gone further, but it was hilarious to think what serious philosophers think about topics like farting. This would probably be a great book for young people to learn about important philosophers or a great coffee table book.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this