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Nasty, Brutish, and Short

Adventures in Philosophy with Kids

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Nasty, Brutish, and Short

Written by: Scott Hershovitz
Narrated by: Scott Hershovitz
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Say 'philosopher,' and someone grand, old and bearded might come to mind. But, as philosophy professor Scott Hershovitz shows in this delightful debut, some of the best philosophers in the world are better described as nasty, brutish and short--that is to say, they're children. Children make wonderful philosophers because they constantly question things that grown-ups take for granted, test theories about the people around them, and try to work out the way the world works. Following the lead of his two young sons, Rex and Hank, Hershovitz takes us on a unique tour through classical and contemporary philosophy, steered by questions like, does Hank have the right to drink Fanta? When is it okay to swear? And, does the number six exist?

Fast-paced and funny, Nasty, Brutish, and Short is a unique guide to the art of thinking. Alongside Rex and Hank, Hershovitz investigates big questions about rights, revenge, punishment and authority; sex, gender and race; the nature of truth and knowledge, the size of the universe, and the existence of god. The result is an irresistible invitation to become more discerning thinkers, by cultivating our innate, childlike wonder at the world.

© Scott Hershovitz 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

 Education Ethics & Morality History Parenting Philosophy Relationships

Critic Reviews

In his witty and learned book Nasty, Brutish, and Short, Hershovitz intertwines parenting and philosophy, recounting his spirited arguments with his kids about infinity, morality, and the existence of God, and teaching half a liberal arts curriculum along the way (Jordan Ellenberg)
This book will teach you how to transform the endless questions of childhood into the endless wonder of philosophy (Barry Lam)
This delightful book is about philosophy and, ultimately, how to better love your kids. Want to cherish them, respect them, help them learn? Then join them in their natural wonderment and enjoy the philosophical fun (Aaron James)
This book made me laugh and also think hard, sometimes on the same page. Highly recommended for anyone with kids, especially kids who wonder 'Why? (Emily Oster, bestselling author of The Family Firm)
Funny and fascinating. Prompted by conversations with his two young sons, Scott Hershovitz walks us through some of philosophy's stickiest questions: Does the universe go on forever? Can we really know anything? Is it ok to use swear words? Should you take revenge? Nasty, Brutish, and Short is an easy-to-read primer on how to discuss these profound topics with children, and how to think about them yourself. (Pamela Druckerman, author of Bringing Up Bébé)
Hershovitz is a total delight--energetic, compassionate, patient, wise, and very, very funny, even when he is talking about weighty or difficult ideas. I'm grateful to have him as a model for how to talk to my children and how to think alongside them. (Merve Emre)
Thoroughly enjoyable ... fun anecdotes abound ... This sincere and smart account puts to rest the idea that philosophy belongs in academia's ivory tower (Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review))
Equal parts hilarious (for years, Hank kept up a facade of not knowing the alphabet to worry his dad) and profound (4-year-old Rex: 'I think that, for real, God is pretend, and for pretend, God is real') . . . clear and lively . . . A playful yet serious introduction to philosophy.
An enormously rich and mind-expanding book, which anyone will gain from reading, especially parents (John Carey)
Witty and self-deprecating, Nasty, Brutish, and Short explores the wonder that young kids bring to their efforts to make sense of the world - and what grown-ups can learn from it.
All stars
Most relevant
I don’t have young kids anymore but this book made me wish for a start over with mine.

Scott Hershovitz uses amusing anecdotes from his daily life with his two bright boys and segues into a philosophical examination of some of the big questions in life we all wonder about but often don’t take the time to think about.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly and highly recommend it even if you have no interest in philosophy.

Philosophy served on a bed of fun

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The author sure knows how to tell a story. However there were very few new ideas that I came across in his work. I had read or heard about most of the things touched upon by him. I nonetheless enjoyed listening to him and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is totally new to the world of philosophy.

Good listen, especially for beginners!

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