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

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 "

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 "

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

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 "

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 "

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 "