Hannah Arendt

A collection of the most significant interviews given by the forefront 20th-century political philosopher known for such books as The Origins of Totalitarianism shares insights into her provocative ideas on "the banality of evil," history, American politics and the immigration experience. Original.

The Last Interview and Other Conversations

Ainsley Jeffery

I’ve always found Arendts thoughts on the natural conditions interesting. From The Origins of Totalitarianism, Arendt presents herself as a crucial “philsopher” of the 20th century, especially for me. Reading The Human Condition this past semester added so much to the connection of ideas I’ve thought about before regarding human experience, public nature of the modern world, the third world, and historical necessity. 

Her stance of division between love and the natural conditions of community is interesting and I’d rather agree with the characterization of this as stirile. Particularly enjoyed later in interview three where the timely discussion on 60s university social movements is discussed. Feels extremely applicable and profound to recognize what university institutions conceives in student community and movements. 

I find Arendt historical accounts and perspectives much less appealing than her social commentary. I would like to read Eichmann for sure after this and may revisit interview two after doing so. 

“For me the question was somehow: I can either study philosophy or I can drown myself, so to speak.”

Hannah Arendt The Last Interview and Other Conversations

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