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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Philosophy can be pretty dry. This text is no exception. I’m at a crossroads here because on the one hand I agree with almost everything Sartre says, yet on the other philosophy is such a boring read that I could barely get through this 36 page speech.
Central tenants of Existenialism:
* Assume atheism or if theist then assume disinterested God (or evil)
* No “objective” morality—human rights are just as arbitrary as 10 commandments or Fascism
* We must derive our own morality, each for ourselves
* Our own morality is projected onto the world, what is right for me is right for you (Kant?)
Sartre gives voice to many ideas I’ve toyed with recently in a much more succinct way that I could have. Reading philosophy is like exercise for your brain. Hard but worth it.
Central tenants of Existenialism:
* Assume atheism or if theist then assume disinterested God (or evil)
* No “objective” morality—human rights are just as arbitrary as 10 commandments or Fascism
* We must derive our own morality, each for ourselves
* Our own morality is projected onto the world, what is right for me is right for you (Kant?)
Sartre gives voice to many ideas I’ve toyed with recently in a much more succinct way that I could have. Reading philosophy is like exercise for your brain. Hard but worth it.
I studied this book for two years during sixth-form as part of my Pre-U. At the time, we were all a bit nutty about Sartre. In retrospect, I think this can be attributed to the novelty of it all.
I used to know this book inside out: now, I’m struggling to make sense of it. Granted, I did re-read it rather quickly—but that isn’t to say that I glossed over it. I agree with Sartre’s sentiment here, but his prose leaves a lot to be desired. This was hardly the epiphany I had been hoping for.
I used to know this book inside out: now, I’m struggling to make sense of it. Granted, I did re-read it rather quickly—but that isn’t to say that I glossed over it. I agree with Sartre’s sentiment here, but his prose leaves a lot to be desired. This was hardly the epiphany I had been hoping for.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Great introduction to 20th century existentialism
This book gives a good general summary of Sartre's basic beliefs. The text, however, is marred by a few frustrating contradictions and imprecise language that are both undoubtably caused inadvertently by Sartre's attempt to break down his complex philosophical ideas into simplified terminology for the laity. It is a decent read nonetheless, especially for those who want an accessible introduction to existentialism or twentieth-century thought.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
have you ever noticed that when you are at rock bottom nothing makes you feel better quite as much as Sartre telling you that if your life is screwed up it's your own damn fault.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I would’ve given it 2 stars because I’ve decided I don’t enjoy philosophy books but this was easy to digest and I understand the foundations of what he was saying. I think this book, like all other philosophy books, begins to rant and ramble after the point is made clear. With that being said, I’m glad I read it and now I feel educated enough to have a rousing discussion about existentialism and how it links to Christianity vs atheism.