education!

I originally wanted to write about what I felt about the book but then realized I'd fallen into the trap! I agree with Nyssa that this is not the best way to go, so I'll make a real comment on the book and (try to) spare you my silly ramblings!

Henry Adams is intriguing to me in that he is taking scientific and political theories and applying them to his life, creating the most dynamic education for himself. Typically, scientific theories are used to describe science and processes separate from the mind. Adams seems to bridge the gap between scientific theories of the universe and the way humans interact with each other. Other Emma touched on it: when he is talking about theory of gases, he is relating it to the way one is educated. This depth is fascinating. While we are not getting a personal account of Henry Adams' life, we are getting so much more. Sure, we may not feel an attachment to the character that will compel us to read, but I don't think that's what Adams sets out to do. The mere fact that it is in 3rd person separates us from personal relation to the character himself. It's not "the life of Henry Adams," it's "the education of Henry Adams." Therefore, I will forgive him for not telling me all of his emotions throughout his life. Adams even says it himself: "Once more! this is a story of education not of adventure! It is meant to help young men -- or such as have intelligence enough to seek help -- but it is not meant to amuse them." (beginning of chapter 21)

I get fired up about science, so I love to hear him wrestling with these scientific theories that we take for granted. He was around when these ideas were still volatile and fresh. While we take Darwin's theories as fact nowadays, he had the choice between a lot of things to explain the way the world is. His education is not about the facts he learns, but rather what it means given his experiences. I just find those parts really cool. Overall, I think Henry Adams did a fantastic job, but I think this book is one to come back to and read snippets. It is so dense that I think it will take a while for me to fully immerse myself in it (which is unfortunate because we only gave it a couple of class days!)