Real-Time Relationships: The Logic of Love
A**S
Some poor Arguements
Has great points on relationships but after getting the point across: people repeat their histories and choose to avoid the anxiety in considering them; most attack statements in relationships are self-contradictory); if you speak truth the masses will hate you. The middle of the book is amateur political and philosophical rants and the end returns to good insights about relationships and philosophy. Stefan has gotten a lot better since 2011, starting in 2016 he become more nuanced on religion and that AnCap would take many more steps to get to; there should be a revised edition of this book.Molyneux's biggest issues in the book are:1. Conflating two actions without going into detail about justification.2. His semi blank-slate view of human nature produces an infinite regress.Stefan makes no distinction between attacking civilian targets and attacking military targets since they are both "attacks" right? God says not to kill but he killed people so it couldn't possibly be that some deaths have proper justification and others don't; they are both "killing". Stefan uses terms in their most absolute way when attacking other positions because then it is easier to point out hypocrisy.He assumes violence and hierarchy are only ever taught to children by others (or brainwashed). I guess apes and dogs and tons of other animals are all indoctrinated. Or maybe it is the case that hierarchy provides a survival advantage and animals and human groups that did it survived and defeated rivals. Stefan seems to think that as soon as humans figured out reason, natural hierarchy instantly turned into master/slave relationships because there couldn't possibly be the case of leader/follower for mutual advantage if the tribe uses force. Or maybe all apes are also immoral. There couldn't possibly be biological brain differences between alphas and betas.In his long rant on 9/11 he points out that the US did bad things in the middle east but stops there. What about before that and before that? Could there possibly be an unprovoked attack. If child are only ever violent because they are taught stories from violent people (are apes taught stories?) where was the first child abuser that wasn't himself abused?I was a former AnCap leaning person but their view of the world requires primordial warlords that first took over peaceful villagers, violence and hierarchy can't possibly be baked into human nature (making AnCap impossible). Unless you think we can evolve out of it or gene edit ourselves there.
B**A
A compelling philosophical work on virtue and honesty within relationships.
Although I quite enjoyed and equally resonated with the ideas of the author's narrative and argumentation, I did feel like occasionally at some important points things became too narrow and rigid. It nonetheless remains one of the soundest contemporary books on philosophy of virtue and truth that we ought to be practicing in our daily lives within our relationship with everything, from ourselves to the state and to our significant peers. Some statements and conclusions from this work are bound to change your outlook, but others may leave no mark whatsoever. The first half of the book was definitely a five star that slowly turned into a 4 to 3 star by the end. I couldn't help but feel that some things were over repeated and then ultimately rushed. Molyneux nonetheless remains a very solid contemporary philosopher whose works will really provoke you to thought and action.
R**U
Understand and Improve Your Relationships!
One of the greatest joys in my life has been understanding the connection between my political philosophy and my devotion to motherhood. Previously I felt very powerless against the political machine. Now I feel the greatest joy by recognizing how my political ideals are made manifest in my relationship with my child. This understanding is thanks to Stefan Molyneux. His tireless work inspired my journey in healing the wounds of my childhood. This journey has improved my life in the present more than anything else I have done. I didn't know how enslaved I was by my seemingly benign justification of past abuse until I felt the shackles come off. Real-Time Relationships is well-written, well-argued, and insightful! Thank you for sharing your insight and making the world a brighter place.
T**M
A challenge and great joy to read.
I rated this book a four - because five would mean it is one of the best books I've ever read. I'm feeling guilt... And now for the mythologizing? I know it has touched me and challenged me like like any book by, say, Albert Ellis, that I've read but I want to be honest.The writing style is nicely conversational - like listening to one of his podcast. I appreciated the concise and logical presentation of information. At no point did I feel condescended to nor confused by unnecessary fancy language or metaphors.I knew about his definition of love before reading and was delighted when he riffed on that and added another bit to the end that only clarified it further. :)I would definitely recommend this to anyone and everyone. Whether you are well learned in philosophy or just an armchair-theorist there are pleasant "Aha's" to be found - great food for my mind to munch.This is the first of his books I've read. I'm anxious and excited to start the others.
H**H
Virtuous and free
My wife and I sit and read this every Sunday. It helps with communication and being in the current moment. Stef applying base philosophical principles to relationships is nothing short of mindblowing. His call in shows are great too. IF you take philosophy serious in terms of relationships you will change. You will never have a dull moment for the rest of your life. Your relationships will be beautiful. Buy this book now what are you waiting for?
R**H
Awesome book
Stefan Molyneux is one of my favorite Youtubers, and has since written many books. This one was wonderful, in large part because he explains the nuances and subtleties of being in a relationship, and how relationships impact every part of our lives. Excellent read! I would recommend it to anyone.
A**Z
without having to hide things you don't feel like sharing.
this book puts in words all of the things you should talk to your partner about, but almost no one does. It talks about how to deal with emotions, how to understand that if someone gets upset its not automatically the other person's fault, how to understand how childhood history factors into the person you are today, and to handle situations that seem win-lose and make them win-win.This book is crucial for a successful, long term relationship that is built on complete understanding of one another, without having to hide things you don't feel like sharing.
T**E
It's all too logical
It's true fear to face your own lies, but it's also freedom. I have grown more in the last 5 years of my life than I did in the first 32. My child thanks you Stefan.
A**.
Excelente! Revelador!
O que é um relacionamento?Como saber o que é verdadeiro e o que é ter o sentimento de amor por uma pessoa?Para todos aqueles que desejam ter uma vida com relações verdadeiras e significativas.Para todos aqueles que desejam quebrar os círculos viciosos e os relacionamentos tóxicos.Recomendo!!
L**B
it's not comfortable but extremely thought provoking
Molyneux confronts us with our irrational behaviours in relationships; it's not comfortable but extremely thought provoking.
K**R
Eye opening!!
Such a different and interesting way of viewing relationships and self respect. Terrifying and exciting at the same time. Honesty apparently can set you free!
J**H
New perspectives
Great book, anyone that calls themselves an intellectual should get familiar with Molyneux's work.
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