William Godwin (and his diary) [ Philosophy / Politics / Political & Moral philosophy / Feelings & Emotions / Diaries & Letters ]
… 1790s and its aftermath. But it raises questions about how he reconciled his extensive sociability with his critique of social conventions, manners and fashion. Recognizing this tension should encourage us to see that the appearance of … Godwin, not all sociability was equal. In many respects it seems he tolerated (one might say endured) a good deal of his social life because he was looking for something very specific from it. If we follow the suggestions of work by Allan … Godwin’s commitment to the clash of mind on mind. He was going to see Gerrald for that purpose – not as part of a network of support or solidarity, but as an opportunity to engage in intense conversational exchange that was central to …
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