Books matching: existential thought

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  1. #1

    The Outsider by Colin Wilson
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    '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...

  2. #2

    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 23 recommendations for the series Horror of Philosophy )

  3. "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...

  4. #4

    Life After God by Douglas Coupland
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    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...

  5. #5

    The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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    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...

  6. #6

    Existentialism from Dostoevsky to Sartre by Walter Kaufmann
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    '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...

  7. #7

    Little Weirds by Jenny Slate
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    Little Weirds by Jenny Slate is a collection of essays that delve into various topics such as food, men, childhood, emotions, and everything in between. The writing style is described as bizarre, beautiful, and Alice in Wonderland-esque, filled with imaginative and personal stories that are both humorous and emotionally poignant. The book showcases Slate's vulnerability and poetic prose, offering readers a glimpse into her unique and eccentric mind.

    Some time ago, I made peace with wanting to be looked at. There’s no secret fold within my feeling, no pleat where I force myself to stow a slip of paper that says “shame” on one side and “weakness” o...

  8. #8

    Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope by Mark Manson
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    'Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope' by Mark Manson delves into deep philosophical and psychological concepts while exploring the human experience of pain, happiness, and hope in the modern world. Manson challenges beliefs and societal norms, weaving together references from various fields to provoke thought and introspection. The author's writing style is a blend of humor, education, and introspection, leading readers on a journey of self-discovery and questioning of long-held beliefs.

    On a small plot of land in the monotonous countryside of central Europe, amid the warehouses of a former military barracks, a nexus of geographically concentrated evil would arise, denser and darker t...

  9. #9

    It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
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    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. #10

    The Lost Years of Merlin - Merlin Saga by T.A. Barron
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    '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.


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