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Books matching: existence

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  1. Jim Holt's book 'Why Does the World Exist?: An Existential Detective Story' delves into the profound question of why there is something rather than nothing. Holt embarks on a journey to explore this existential mystery by interviewing renowned scientists, philosophers, and writers, presenting their diverse perspectives on the origins of the universe. Through thought-provoking conversations and interludes detailing snippets of his own life, Holt navigates complex theories of cosmology, metaphysics, and theology, making the abstract concepts accessible to readers. The book skillfully weaves together historical and modern thoughts on existence, challenging readers to contemplate the fundamental nature of reality and the human quest for understanding.

    Holt's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, blending intellectual inquiry with personal anecdotes and philosophical musings. With a blend of humor, curiosity, and intellectual rigor, he guides readers through a narrative that humanizes the profound questions of existence. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the various explanations provided by theologians, physicists, and philosophers throughout history, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of the universe and confront the complexities of existence.

    I would earnestly warn you against trying to find out the reason for and explanation of everything. . . . To try and find out the reason for everything is very dangerous and leads to nothing but disap...

  2. #2

    Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
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    Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder is a unique blend of a novel and a philosophy textbook, guiding readers through the history of Western philosophy from ancient times to the modern era. The book follows a teenage girl named Sophie who embarks on a journey of philosophical discovery through mysterious encounters with an unconventional teacher. Gaarder weaves together elements of history, mythology, and philosophy, challenging readers to question reality and view the world through a philosophical lens.

    The writing style of Sophie's World is described as creative and engaging, making complex philosophical ideas accessible and thought-provoking. The book is praised for its ability to present heavy philosophical material in a simple and slightly fantastical manner, keeping readers interested despite the depth of the subject matter. Through a series of philosophical discussions and metaphors, Gaarder introduces readers to major schools of thought and encourages a critical view of the world.

    Sophie Amundsen was on her way home from school. She had walked the first part of the way with Joanna. They had been discussing robots. Joanna thought the human brain was like an advanced computer. So...

  3. #3

    Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman
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    'Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives' by David Eagleman is a collection of short stories exploring various hypothetical scenarios of the afterlife. Each story presents a unique version of what happens after death, sparking the reader's imagination and contemplation. The writing style is concise, imaginative, and thought-provoking, with each tale offering a different perspective on life after death.

    You spend two months driving the street in front of your house, seven months having sex. You sleep for thirty years without opening your eyes. For five months straight you flip through magazines while...

  4. #4

    The Book of Disquiet: The Complete Edition by Fernando Pessoa
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    'The Book of Disquiet: The Complete Edition' by Fernando Pessoa is a collection of fragmented thoughts and musings of fictional Portugese bookkeeper Bernardo Soares, one of Pessoa's heteronyms. The book is a diary-like account of Soares' existential reflections on life, literature, poetry, sensibility, and metaphysics, with no plot or story arc. Pessoa's poetic prose is described as beautiful and profound, with virtually every sentence being a gem. The book is best experienced by dipping into it over a long period of time, rather than reading it cover to cover, as it offers insights into the depths of human emotions and existential ponderings.

    The writing style of 'The Book of Disquiet' is characterized by its rich expressiveness, introspective nature, and melancholic tone. Pessoa weaves together observation and introspection, creating a deeply existential and existentialist work that challenges readers to contemplate the imperfections of life and the struggle of living authentically. The book is a blend of diary, fiction, autobiography, philosophy, and poetry in prose, offering a unique reading experience that invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human emotions and the futility of longing for the impossible.

    Lisbon has a certain number of eating establishments in which, on top of a respectable-looking tavern, there’s a regular dining room with the solid and homey air of a restaurant in a small trainless t...

  5. #5

    Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow by Ted Hughes
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    Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow by Ted Hughes is a dark and raw collection of poetry that explores themes of Christianity, mythology, and humanity through the character of Crow. The poems form an alternate creation story, blending elements of masculinity and femininity, tenderness and violence, and mythology with tangible observations. Hughes uses Crow as a figure to question life, religion, and philosophy, creating a mythical and tangible world where Crow plays a central role in shaping the narrative.

    The book delves into the complexities of existence through Crow's character, who embodies creation, destruction, and rebellion against the forces that shaped him. The poems are described as dark, violent, and deeply metaphorical, offering a unique perspective on human storytelling, cultural myths, and primal themes of deception, fear, blood, and physical love. Through Crow, Hughes presents a profound sense of unease juxtaposed with familiarity, drawing inspiration from various mythological sources to create a coherent yet unsettling collection.


  6. #6

    Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
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    Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard is a collection of meditations on nature, spirituality, and the human experience. The book takes readers on a journey through the author's observations and reflections on the beauty and brutality of the natural world around Tinker Creek in Virginia. Dillard's writing style is described as poetic, introspective, and deeply insightful, as she delves into themes of wonder, awe, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

    The book is a blend of personal narrative, philosophical musings, and detailed observations of the flora and fauna in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dillard's prose is praised for its vivid imagery, lyrical quality, and ability to evoke a sense of reverence for the mysteries of the universe. Through her contemplations on nature, she invites readers to see the world through her eyes and find meaning in the intricate tapestry of life on Earth.

    I used to have a cat, an old fighting tom, who would jump through the open window by my bed in the middle of the night and land on my chest. I’d half-awaken. He’d stick his skull under my nose and pur...

  7. #7

    Thomas the Obscure by Maurice Blanchot
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    Thomas the Obscure by Maurice Blanchot is a challenging and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of solitude, death, and the complexity of human relationships. The book follows Thomas and Anne, two characters enveloped in a mysterious event that shapes their existence. The narrative is filled with disturbing imagery, ambiguity, and poetic prose, creating a personalized world that captivates readers. Blanchot's writing style is described as intense, non-linear, and profound, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

    There is, for every work, an infinity of possible variants. The present version adds nothing to the pages entitled Thomas the Obscure begun in 1932, delivered to the publisher in May of 1940 and publi...

  8. 'Labyrinths: Selected Stories and Other Writings' by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short stories, essays, and parables that explore themes such as paradoxes, brain teasers, philosophy, and metaphysics. Borges plays with concepts of reality and challenges notions of time and infinity in a clever and profound manner. The stories often revolve around labyrinths, books, history, and the exploration of tangled spaces and time, creating a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating read.

    The writing style of Borges is described as deep, philosophical, original, and thought-provoking. The stories are characterized by their intellectual conceits, simplicity in complexity, and the ability to make readers question reality and perception. Borges' work is praised for its profound meanings, originality, and the way each story presents a wealth of ideas that resonate with readers long after reading them.

    I first read Jorge Luis Borges’ Labyrinthsin an armchair upholstered with a smooth lettuce-green brocade,patterned with leaves that were themselves not unlike lettuce, though they were alsorather like...

  9. #9

    The Gay Science by Friedrich Nietzsche
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    The Gay Science by Friedrich Nietzsche is a collection of short pieces, reflexions, aphorisms, and poems that cover a wide range of topics such as morality, existence, philosophy, and humanity. The book presents Nietzsche's profound ideas in a direct and confident writing style, challenging readers to think deeply about their lives and the world around them. Through his unique approach, Nietzsche encourages readers to live dangerously, question societal norms, and embrace self-discovery.

    The Gay Science is one of Nietzsche’s most beautiful and important books. Why then, it may be asked, has it not been made available in English before this, except for a single inadequate translation p...

  10. #10

    Night Work by Thomas Glavinic, John Brownjohn
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    The novel "Night Work" by Thomas Glavinic follows the story of Jonas, a man who wakes up one morning to find that he is the only living person in Vienna. With a gripping and sad narrative, the book explores Jonas' lonely journey as he navigates an empty world, sets up cameras to look for signs of life, and grapples with strange occurrences. The writing style, characterized by detailed observations and a mix of slow-moving and fast-paced storytelling, allows readers to connect with Jonas through his actions rather than his thoughts, creating a sense of unease and fascination as the plot unfolds.

    In "Night Work," Glavinic delves into the themes of loneliness, desperation, and existential questioning, as Jonas struggles to make sense of his newfound isolation and the bizarre events unfolding around him. The narrative keeps readers on edge, evoking feelings of disturbance and fear while also offering moments of beauty and reflection. The book leaves a lasting impact with its haunting portrayal of a man grappling with the unknown and the complexities of human nature in the face of extreme solitude.

    Nothing on the screen but snow. He zapped from ORF to ARD: no picture. He tried ZDF, RTL, 3sat, RAI: snow. The Viennese local channel: snow. CNN: more snow. French-language channel, Turkish-language c...

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