The Misuse of Mind

In this careful study, the author unpacks Henri Bergson’s critique of the way we habitually employ our minds. Drawing on a personal, original reading of Bergson’s essays, she separates “fact” from “matter” and shows how his ideas aim to free thought from rigid abstractions. A prefatory letter from Bergson himself commends the work, highlighting its rare intellectual vigor. The result is a clear guide to the philosopher’s call for a more fluid, intuitive approach to knowledge.

The book also explores the cultural backlash against Bergson, portraying him as both celebrated and condemned by rationalists who fear his appeal to instinct. By examining the underlying assumptions of traditional education, the author demonstrates how Bergson’s method can make thinking more efficient without abandoning rigor. Listeners will find a thoughtful invitation to rethink the balance between analysis and lived experience, all presented with scholarly yet accessible prose.