Philosophical reflections undertaken for enjoyment, in order to understand in other terms what is already, to some extent, already understood. Oakeshott prefaces this text by calling this a "well-considered intellectual adventure recollected in tranquility." In an age where so much philosophical talk, and intellectual writing, is mere activist dogma lined up for political advantage, and not real thinking at all, this is refreshing. Oakeshoot considers questions of human practice, civil association, and the modern state. Enlightening indeed. ( )