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Books matching: nihilism

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  1. #1

    The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays by Albert Camus
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    'The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays' by Albert Camus delves into the concept of the Absurd, exploring the distressing match between man's ultimate questions and the silent universe. Camus argues against suicide as the only solution in a meaningless world, advocating for embracing freedom and taking responsibility for one's choices. Through essays and philosophical musings, Camus challenges traditional views of existence, finding meaning in the struggle itself and urging readers to live with dignity and acceptance of life's futility.

    My field,” said Goethe, “is time.” That is indeed the absurd speech. What, in fact, is the absurd man? He who, without negating it, does nothing for the eternal. Not that nostalgia is foreign to him. ...

  2. #2

    The Conspiracy Against the Human Race by Thomas Ligotti
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    'The Conspiracy Against the Human Race' by Thomas Ligotti delves into the horror that consciousness brings about, presenting a pessimistic view on life, mankind, and the universe. Ligotti explores the idea that human existence is a curse, with consciousness being a detriment rather than a benefit. Through references to various philosophers, mystics, and neuroscientists, Ligotti argues that life is inherently meaningless and existence is a painful cul de sac. serves as a philosophical exploration of the horror that comes from being aware of our mortality and the futility of seeking meaning in an indifferent universe.

    To avoid all possibility of false appearances, I should disclose up front to being a writer of supernatural horror stories. Strictly speaking, then, The Conspiracy against the Human Race represents mo...

  3. #3

    Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev
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    "Fathers and Sons" by Ivan Turgenev is a novel that delves into the complex relationship between parents and children, specifically fathers and sons, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia. The book explores themes of generational conflict, love, pride, loss, and the struggle for individuality. Through the characters of Bazarov and Arkady, Turgenev contrasts nihilism with romanticism, while also portraying the tensions between traditional values and modern ideologies. The narrative moves through various social classes, providing insights into the changing landscape of Russian society during that era.

    'Well, Piotr, not in sight yet?' was the question asked on May the 20th, 1859, by a gentleman of a little over forty, in a dusty coat and checked trousers, who came out without his hat on to the low s...

  4. #4

    Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis
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    Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel set in the 1980s that follows rich college student Clay as he returns home to L.A. for winter break. The story revolves around Clay attending parties, engaging in drug use, and contemplating his relationship with his girlfriend, Blair. The narrative explores Clay's increasing alienation from the amoral behavior of his friends, portraying a bleak and nihilistic depiction of the affluent youth culture in Los Angeles. The writing style is described as short, snappy prose, with a narrative that is blank and devoid of emotional reactions, creating a sense of alienation and detachment that intensifies towards the end of the book.

    People are afraid to merge on freeways in Los Angeles. This is the first thing I hear when I come back to the city. Blair picks me up from LAX and mutters this under her breath as her car drives up th...

  5. #5

    No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
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    "No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai is a bleak and introspective novel that delves into the life of Oba Yozo, a character struggling with feelings of alienation and disconnection from society. The book explores themes of loneliness, suicide, and existential dread through Yozo's eyes as he navigates a world where he feels like an outsider. The writing style is described as powerful and impactful, with a narrative that captures the protagonist's internal turmoil and despair in a poignant manner.

    I can’t even guess myself what it must be to live the life of a human being. I was born in a village in the Northeast, and it wasn’t until I was quite big that I saw my first train. I climbed up and d...

  6. #6

    The Rebel by Albert Camus
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    The Rebel by Albert Camus is an essay that serves as a hymn of life and radical thinking, criticizing nihilism and totalitarianism. Camus explores the theme of revolt throughout history, discussing the reasons behind human rebellion against unfairness and oppression. Through historical and philosophical examples, he delves into the concept of rebellion and revolution, highlighting the importance of standing up against injustice and tyranny. The book also examines the motivations behind rebellion, the moral challenges it presents, and the ethical systems through which rebels justify their actions.

    What is a rebel? A man who says no, but whose refusal does not imply a renunciation. He is also a man who says yes, from the moment he makes his first gesture of rebellion. A slave who has taken order...

  7. #7

    On the Heights of Despair by Ilinca Zarifopol-Johnston, Emil M. Cioran
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    'On the Heights of Despair' by Emil M. Cioran is a collection of short essays that delve into themes of existential despair, nihilism, and the futility of human existence. The book presents a youthful Cioran grappling with dark and cathartic philosophies, expressed poetically and with a sense of despair that is both soul-crushing and beautifully composed. The writing style is described as compulsively readable, adorably misanthropic, and lyrical, with a translation that captures the subtle linguistic techniques and maintains the original tone of the native language.


  8. #8

    Starry Speculative Corpse - Horror of Philosophy by Eugene Thacker
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    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 25 recommendations for the series Horror of Philosophy )

  9. #9

    A Short History of Decay by Emil M. Cioran
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    'A Short History of Decay' by Emil M. Cioran is a collection of pessimistic and nihilistic essays that explore themes of doubt, downfall, and the darker aspects of life and death. Cioran openly despises most aspects of life and praises only doubt and downfall. The writing style is described as polemical and dour, with aphorisms that provide insights into existentialism and philosophy, reflecting a sense of cynicism and sarcasm towards humanity and life.

    Genealogy of Fanaticism—The Anti-Prophet—In the Graveyard of Definitions—Civilization and Frivolity—Dissolving into God—Variations on Death —In the Margin of Moments—Dislocation of Time—Magnificent Fu...

  10. #10

    The Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone de Beauvoir
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    Simone de Beauvoir's 'The Ethics of Ambiguity' explores the core principles of existentialism and delves into the absurdity of existence from a unique perspective. The book presents a novel outlook on existentialist ethics, extending the ideas from Sartre's 'Being and Nothingness' into a comprehensive ethical system. Through a hierarchy of men based on their reactions to ambiguity, Beauvoir argues for the assertion of freedom in the face of existential uncertainty. The writing style is clear and well-thought-out, explaining key arguments from various schools of philosophy and drawing comparisons to stoicism.

    “THE continous work of our life,” says Montaigne, “is to build death.” He quotes the Latin poets: Prima, quae vitam dedit, hora corpsit. And again: Nascentes morimur. Man knows and thinks this tragic ...

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