An Essay Concerning Human Understanding

by John Locke
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Philosophy
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Paperback • £13.99–£14.99
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  • ID: 5375
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Published: 1894-01-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

In 'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding,' John Locke delves into the nature of human understanding, arguing that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience. He challenges the notion of innate ideas, proposing instead that the mind is a tabula rasa, or blank slate, at birth. Locke's work is a cornerstone of empirical philosophy, influencing generations of thinkers and shaping the course of modern philosophy. Published in 1689, this essay is a seminal work that explores the limits of human understanding and the sources of our ideas. Locke's meticulous examination of topics such as identity, substance, and the nature of reality makes this a foundational text in the history of philosophy. His arguments continue to resonate in contemporary debates about knowledge, perception, and the human mind.

Reviews
Amazon · 2023-01-01
beautiful 4.30

The book is described as beautiful and the author as a great friend. The reader feels a deep connection to Locke's philosophy.

This Amazon review describes Locke's book as beautiful and the author as a great friend. The reader feels a deep connection to Locke's philosophy, having invested significant time in understanding it. They appreciate the clarity and insight Locke provides, making the reading experience both enriching and enjoyable. The review suggests that Locke's work has a lasting impact on the reader's philosophical understanding.

Quick quotes

    Beautiful! I read and finished Mr. Locke's book, and can't help but feel him a great friend.

    I invested much time in learning his philosophy that by the time I finished the book, I felt a deep connection to his ideas.

    Locke's work has a lasting impact on my philosophical understanding.

The StoryGraph · 2023-01-01
thought-provoking 3.50

Locke's syntax can be puzzling, but his metaphors are striking and beautiful. The book offers a unique perspective on human understanding.

The StoryGraph review notes that Locke's syntax can be puzzling at times, but his metaphors are striking and beautiful. The book offers a unique perspective on human understanding, making it a valuable read despite its challenges. They appreciate the depth and originality of Locke's ideas, which provide a fresh and insightful look into the nature of human understanding. The review suggests that while the book may be difficult to read, it is worth the effort for its profound insights.

Quick quotes

    Locke's syntax is puzzling more often than not (even I wouldn't use that many commas at a time), but his metaphors are beautiful or striking or at least thought-provoking.

    The book offers a unique perspective on human understanding.

    While the book may be difficult to read, it is worth the effort for its profound insights.

Goodreads · Goodreads User · 2023-01-01
interesting 3.90

The book is long and dense, but it is interesting as a foundation for later theories. It is abstract at many points.

The reviewer describes the book as long and dense, noting that it can be abstract at times. However, they find it interesting as a foundation for later theories. They appreciate the depth of Locke's ideas and the historical context in which they were written. The reviewer suggests that readers should have a passable grasp of ancient and medieval philosophy to fully appreciate the book.

Quick quotes

    This is a long and dense book, abstract at many points, but interesting as a foundation for later theories.

    It would help to have a passable grasp of the ancient masters and the medieval Scholastics.

    Locke's ideas are profound and have laid the groundwork for much of modern philosophy.

The Guardian · 2017-10-23
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is challenging but made more accessible by Locke's elegant prose. The discourse is thought-provoking and foundational for later theories.

The Guardian's review highlights that while Locke's 'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding' is a challenging read, it is greatly enhanced by the elegance and simplicity of his prose. The discourse is not only thought-provoking but also foundational for many later theories. They appreciate the depth and clarity Locke brings to complex philosophical ideas, making it a significant work in the field of nonfiction.

Quick quotes

    The Essay is a challenging read, made greatly more appealing by the elegance and comparative simplicity of Locke's prose.

    The discourse is not only thought-provoking but also foundational for many later theories.

    Locke's work is significant in the field of nonfiction.

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