I mean, that's obviously a "gross generalization".

justin66 · on July 10, 2019

Ah, I might have misunderstood your question! I didn't realize we were giving Hariri a pass for gross generalizations.

Although it's a serious enough error that it might be more than just a "gross generalization." I certainly think it is.

mfoy_ · on July 11, 2019

The nature of the book necessitates gross generalizations. It literally could not be anything else.

It's like saying you don't like Expanse because you don't like sci-fi... Okay, but why did you read it if you know you hate sci-fi?

justin66 · on July 11, 2019

> The nature of the book necessitates gross generalizations. It literally could not be anything else.

If you say so.

I don't think that's a shield against criticism. His treatment of humanism is asinine. In addition to engaging in gross generalizations on the topic, he is - to use your words - "really wrong." Getting the history of modern ideas right seems like it ought to be the easy part with a book like this, particularly if you're content with generalizations.

justin66 · on July 10, 2019

This particular critique of Hariri - that his characterization of humanism is stupid - is apparently rather unpopular here. It'd be interesting to understand why.