The Order of Things: An Archaeology of the Human Sciences

by Michel Foucault
The Order of Things: An Archaeology of the Human Sciences cover
Good Books rating 4.33
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  • ID: 5385
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
tiemsachsleepycat.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
profound 4.00

The book is a dense and challenging read, but it offers profound insights into the history of human sciences. It's not for casual readers, but those interested in the subject will find it rewarding.

The Order of Things is a dense and challenging read, but it offers profound insights into the history of human sciences. The book delves into the evolution of various disciplines, providing a unique perspective on how knowledge has been constructed and categorized over time. It's not for casual readers, but those interested in the subject will find it rewarding. The reviewer appreciates the depth of analysis and the way Foucault challenges conventional understandings of the human sciences. However, they also acknowledge that the book can be difficult to follow at times, requiring a significant investment of time and effort.

Quick quotes

    The book is a dense and challenging read, but it offers profound insights into the history of human sciences.

    It's not for casual readers, but those interested in the subject will find it rewarding.

    The reviewer appreciates the depth of analysis and the way Foucault challenges conventional understandings of the human sciences.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
insightful 4.50

The reviewer highlights three key takeaways from the book: the importance of being a 'plus one' in any situation, the value of preparation and competence, and the power of maintaining a positive attitude and anticipating problems. They appreciate the practical advice and insights offered by the author.

The reviewer found several valuable lessons in this book. One of the most impactful points was the idea of being a 'plus one' in any situation. The author emphasizes that trying to prove your worth upfront can backfire, and it's better to let your actions speak for themselves. Another key takeaway was the importance of preparation and competence. The reviewer appreciated the advice to 'sweat the small stuff' and anticipate problems, as this approach can prevent crises and ensure success. Lastly, the book discusses the power of maintaining a positive attitude and the value of 'negative thinking'—visualizing potential failures to better prepare for them. The reviewer found these insights practical and thought-provoking, making the book a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    In any new situation, whether it involves an elevator or a rocket ship, you will almost certainly be viewed in one of three ways. As a **minus one**: actively harmful, someone who creates problems. Or as a **zero**: your impact is neutral and doesn’t tip the balance one way or the other. Or you’ll be seen as a **plus one**: someone who actively adds value. ****Everyone wants to be a plus one, of course. But proclaiming your “plusoneness” at the outset almost guarantees you’ll be perceived as a minus one, regardless of the skills you bring to the table or how you actually perform.

    To me, it’s simple: if you’ve got the time, use it to get ready. What else could you possibly have to do that’s more important? Yes, maybe you’ll learn how to do a few things you’ll never wind up actually needing to do, but that’s a much better problem to have than needing to do something and having no clue where to start.

    What’s the next thing that will kill me? My optimism and confidence come not from feeling I’m luckier than other mortals, and they sure don’t come from visualizing victory. They’re the result of a lifetime spent visualizing defeat and figuring out how to prevent it. Like most astronauts, I’m pretty sure that I can deal with what life throws at me because I’ve thought about what to do if things go wrong, as well as right. That’s the power of negative thinking.

app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
thought-provoking 4.50

The Order of Things is a dense and challenging read, but it offers profound insights into the history of human thought and the classification of knowledge. It's a book that rewards careful study and reflection.

The Order of Things is not an easy read, but it is a deeply rewarding one. Foucault's exploration of the history of human thought and the classification of knowledge is both fascinating and challenging. The book is dense and requires careful attention, but the insights it offers are profound. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. The reviewer found the book to be a bit overwhelming at times, but they also found it to be incredibly thought-provoking. They appreciated Foucault's unique perspective and the way he challenges conventional ways of thinking. The book is a great choice for anyone interested in the history of ideas or the philosophy of knowledge.

Quick quotes

    Foucault's exploration of the history of human thought is both fascinating and challenging.

    The book is dense and requires careful attention, but the insights it offers are profound.

    It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

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