Books matching: nihilism and pessimism
5 result(s)
- #1
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 ) '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.
- #3
Save:'In the Dust of This Planet' by Eugene Thacker delves into a philosophical exploration of cosmic nihilism and the horror of the unknown. The author combines elements of Lovecraft, Zen Buddhism, and Schopenhauer to ponder on the erasure of relative nihilism that plagues contemporary lives. The text is described as a poetic yet academically dry examination of darkness, void, and mystery in philosophy, intertwined with discussions on monster movies and posthumanism. Despite some sections being deemed tedious and disjointed, the book is appreciated for its intricate prose and scholarly approach to the subject matter.
- #4
Save:Emil Cioran's 'The Trouble With Being Born' is a collection of brilliantly pessimistic aphorisms that delve into existential musings on mortality, the human condition, and the recalcitrant nature of existence. The book presents a unique blend of self-consciously absurd pessimistic humor, reminiscent of the modern goth subculture, intertwined with profound reflections on life and death. Cioran's writing style is described as beautiful prose that rivals the likes of Montaigne, Dostoevsky, and Sartre, offering readers a cornucopia of pessimistic brightness through sardonic and enigmatic wisdom.
The central argument of the book revolves around the idea that the problem lies not in the act of dying but in the act of being born, exploring themes of existential philosophy, mortality, and the inherent struggles of human existence. Through clever aphorisms and a relentless exploration of pessimism, Cioran challenges readers to confront the fundamental questions surrounding life, death, and the meaning of existence, presenting a thought-provoking and introspective journey through the complexities of human consciousness.
- #5
Save:'Tomorrow's Heritage' in the series 'Children of the Stars' by Juanita Coulson is a science fiction novel set in a time when alien life is making its way to Earth. The story revolves around the Saunder family, particularly focusing on the matriarch, Jael Saunder, who is determined to establish the family as a powerful dynasty amidst the chaos and impending invasion by aliens. The plot delves into the internal strife within the family, portraying their struggles and conflicts as they navigate through the challenges posed by the approaching extraterrestrial intelligence. The writing style is described as competent and straightforward, occasionally veering into poetic or stream of consciousness, capturing the essence of a future imagined by someone living in the late 70s.
