Why Grow Up?: Subversive Thoughts for an Infantile Age - Softcover

Praise for Susan Neiman
"[Neiman] is not only a fine analyst but an acute stylist too, both scintillating and self-disciplined--a very rare thing in a philosopher." --Jonathan Ree, "The Times Literary Supplement"

Susan Neiman's "Why Grow Up "is a spirited defence of the aspiration to maturity. As she sagely observes, by clinging impotently to youth, we impoverish youth and maturity alike . . . So how, when the force of an entire culture seems to be ranged against maturity, can we make a serious case for growing up? The question takes Neiman to debates at the heart of Enlightenment moral philosophy . . . Neiman is an impassioned and lucid expositor of some very recondite concepts, with that rare ability . . . to convey the continued relevance and urgency of philosophy for our distracted times.--Josh Cohen "The Guardian "

This elegant and accessible book is the philosophical kick up the arse my generation desperately needs.--Tom Slater "Spiked "

The way Neiman interprets the Kantian idea of growing up--that of a never-ending task--has something subversive, and that's almost enough to make one young again.--Peter Praschl "Die Welt "

An excellent work of popular, applied philosophy. Parts are as thought-provoking as reading Kant himself--and a damned sight easier.--Brandon Robshaw "The Independent "

To the barricades, armed with reason: Susan Neiman makes the case for toppling society's infantilism. Plumbing the depths of philosophy, she has written the most important book of the hour.--Katrin Schuhmacher "MDR Figaro "

Neiman makes the case not only for thinking but for political engagement. Her passion eliminates any sort of pedantry.--Birgit Schmidt "Tagesanzeiger "

Neiman's view on using philosophy to guide ourselves into adulthood is a wonderful example of how the writings of past philosophers can be applied to our current lives. Her writing is accessible for those without a background in philosophy, and her book is a pleasant introduction to those unfamiliar with Kant and Rousseau.--Scott Duimstra "Library Journal "

Readers may find clarity in this small book of big ideas.--Kate Tuttle "The Boston Globe "

Argues that the absence of appealing models of maturity prepares young people to expect and demand very little out of life as they grow older and that society should value maturity as a subversive ideal.