Books matching: existential thought
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- #1
Save:"The First Man" by Albert Camus is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the life of the main character, Jacques Cormery, as he embarks on a journey to uncover details about his deceased father. Set against the backdrop of poverty and family struggles, the narrative captures Jacques' upbringing, his education, and his quest for self-discovery. The writing style is described as melancholy yet delightful, with a focus on the protagonist's personal growth and introspection.
- #2
Save:'Lightning Bug' by Donald Harington is a book that takes readers on a journey to Stay More, a small town in the Ozarks. Through the eyes of a child, the story delves into the complexity of adult life, exposing unhappiness, unfulfilled desires, and the good and bad aspects of human relationships. The writing style of Harington is described as prose-like and deep, reminiscent of authors like Hermann Hesse and Kurt Vonnegut. The book intertwines fantasy with reality, with characters that are eccentric and peculiar, set against a rural Southern backdrop.
- #3
Save:'The Outsider' by Colin Wilson is a deep exploration of existentialism and the concept of being an outsider in society. Wilson delves into the idea of individuals who feel disconnected from the world around them, providing insights into why they feel the way they do and how they can navigate their unique perspective. The book offers a survey of great poets and artists, discussing their struggles and successes in a world that often misunderstands them. Wilson's writing style is described as complex yet insightful, offering readers a profound look into the minds of those who see the world differently.
In the air, on top of a tram, a girl is sitting. Her dress, lifted a little, blows out. But a block in the traffic separates us. The tramcar glides away, fading like a nightmare. Moving in both direct... - #4
Save:Starry Speculative Corpse, the second volume in Eugene Thacker's Horror of Philosophy series, delves into the realm of philosophy itself, focusing on concepts of darkness, nothingness, and negation. Thacker approaches philosophy as a work of horror, exploring the futility at its core and aiming to think the impossible thought of a world without us. The book spans from ancient darkness mysticism to modern speculative nihilism, offering a unique perspective on philosophy as a discipline.
Thacker's writing style is described as dark, engaging, and mystic, with a focus on nihilism and pessimism. He combines philosophical insights from thinkers like Nietzsche, Kant, and Schopenhauer with elements of horror and mysticism, creating a thought-provoking exploration of existence, negation, and the limits of human understanding.
(Also, see 24 recommendations for the series Horror of Philosophy ) "At the Existentialist Cafe: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails" by Sarah Bakewell delves into the lives and philosophies of prominent figures in the existentialist movement, such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. The book provides a humane portrayal of these individuals, exploring their relationships, ideologies, and the roots of existentialism in Phenomenology. Bakewell intertwines the personal lives of these thinkers with the development of their philosophical ideas, making the complex concepts accessible to readers. Through engaging narratives and anecdotes, the author paints a vivid picture of the existentialist scene in mid-20th century Europe, capturing the essence of the movement and its impact on society.
The author skillfully combines philosophical history, biographies, and personal reflections to create a captivating narrative that immerses readers in the existentialist world. Bakewell's insightful analysis and thorough research offer a fresh perspective on existentialism, highlighting its relevance in contemporary discussions on freedom, authenticity, and individualism. By exploring the struggles, triumphs, and relationships of existentialist thinkers, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the movement, shedding light on the complexities of existential philosophy and its enduring influence on modern thought.
They were more than ready for this new beginning. At school and university, Sartre, Beauvoir and Aron had all been through the austere French philosophy syllabus, dominated by questions of knowledge a...- #6
Save:Life After God by Douglas Coupland is a collection of reflections and short stories that delve into the mind of an introspective character navigating personal crises and existential questions. The writing style is described as poetic and almost Aesop Fable-like, with intentional oddities like doodles and unique text shapes that aim to engage readers on a deeper level. The book explores themes of self-identity, belief, introspection, and the battle against nothingness, all while providing a glimpse into the character's upbringing and life choices.
Once, on a morning after a particularly noisy night, Cathy and I were walking down Drake Street and we saw a crow standing in a puddle, motionless, the sky reflected on its surface so that it looked a... - #7
Save:The Little Prince is a whimsical and enchanting tale of an aviator who crashes in the Sahara Desert and befriends a little prince from a small planet. Through the little prince's adventures and encounters, the story explores deep themes of life, friendship, and the importance of seeing beyond appearances. The writing style is described as poetic, magical, and childlike, with simple yet profound lessons that resonate with both children and adults.
The narrative of The Little Prince is a blend of fantasy, science fiction, and moral allegory, as the little prince shares his experiences and perspectives on humanity and relationships. The book is praised for its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and innocence while delivering poignant messages about love, caring, and the true essence of life.
This time, the grown-ups advised me to put away my representations of the boa constrictor, be it from the inside or the outside, and instead spend my time learning geography, history, arithmetic and g... 'Existentialism from Dostoevsky to Sartre' by Walter Kaufmann is a comprehensive compilation that introduces readers to the existentialist viewpoint through selections from prominent authors like Dostoevsky, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Rilke, Kafka, Ortega, Jaspers, Heidegger, Sartre, and Camus. Kaufmann's introductory essay provides valuable insights into the differing approaches to existentialist thought of the selected authors, offering a thorough overview of existentialism from its Russian origins to its French dominance. delves into the themes of individual responsibility, authenticity versus inauthenticity, and the search for meaning in an existential world.
In some of the earliest philosophers, such as Pythagoras and Heraclitus and Empedocles, we sense a striking unity of life and thought; and after the generation of the Sophists, Socrates is said to hav...- #9
Save:Craig Gilner, a high school student struggling with depression and stress, checks himself into a psychiatric hospital after having suicidal thoughts. During his stay, he forms relationships with other patients and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The book portrays Craig's experiences in the adult psychiatric ward, highlighting themes of depression, teenage struggles, and finding hope amidst darkness. Ned Vizzini's writing style is described as insightful, humorous, and emotional, offering a unique perspective on mental health issues faced by teens.
It’s so hard to talk when you want to kill yourself. That’s above and beyond everything else, and it’s not a mental complaint—it’s a physical thing, like it’s physically hard to open your mouth and ma... - #10
Save:'The Lost Years of Merlin' in the series 'Merlin Saga' by T.A. Barron follows the story of a young boy named Emrys who washes up on the shores of ancient Wales with no memory of his past. Claimed by a woman to be his mother, Emrys sets off on a journey to discover the truth about his origins and the magical powers that begin to manifest within him. As he ventures to the enchanting land of Fincayra, Emrys faces challenges, befriends unique characters, and unravels mysteries about his past, ultimately transforming into the legendary wizard Merlin.
