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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
This book covers the exposure and deep dive into existentialism and how it bounds with humanism. it provides depth and detailed explanations about misconceptions to existentialism linked with religion, purpose of life, and marxism itself. it is a somewhat interesting primer and the important thing to acknowledge is not so much this particular philosophy, but the importance of philosophy in general. This book also explores the commentary of The Stranger by Sartre, further describing the tension between Sartre and Camus, both literary giants at that time.
It was enlightening to consider different viewpoints (both the absurd, and existentialism itself) when trying to perceive the world and this book contributes to that search and is therefore important and worth reading, not to mention it can be read in a single afternoon.
It was enlightening to consider different viewpoints (both the absurd, and existentialism itself) when trying to perceive the world and this book contributes to that search and is therefore important and worth reading, not to mention it can be read in a single afternoon.
We read this for bookgroup. It is really a long essay rather than a book. Compared to most philosophy, it is quite clear, short and easy to read. This is actually one of the main criticisms of the text, as many complain Sartre does not support his conclusions. However, as with other philosophical texts, in order to properly his terms, define his axioms and logically prove his conclusions, the text would become much more difficult to read. Instead, this is a good text to elicit discussion in a group setting about meaning and purpose in life and how to achieve it. I find existentialism a refreshing approach; one can make the case that it is the first philosophical approach to reject any external structure that defines a moral code.
This was my first real foray into Sartre's philosophy. I had a cursory knowledge of existentialism, but only of the kind that's pretty inevitable if you spend enough time on Twitter or Tumblr.
That said, I gather that this isn't an entirely accurate portrait of existentialism, even if it was given by the man himself. It's actually a speech Sartre gave in response to his critics, so he necessarily rounded off some corners and sanded some edges to fit the narrative.
Even so, it's fascinating to delve into, and Sartre relays his ideas in an approachable way without dumbing anything down. The first third of the book was spent nodding along vigorously, everything basically boiling down to the famous line that "existence precedes essence," that man creates himself.
Sartre then runs into a stumbling block: his complete and utter denial of what we now know to be pretty basic truths of human nature and psychology. Had he known what we know now, I think he would've adjusted his views accordingly, but as it stands, I think much of Satre's philosophy hinges on a faulty premise.
Still, it's a fascinating read, and it's hard not to feel inspired when you finally turn the last page.
That said, I gather that this isn't an entirely accurate portrait of existentialism, even if it was given by the man himself. It's actually a speech Sartre gave in response to his critics, so he necessarily rounded off some corners and sanded some edges to fit the narrative.
Even so, it's fascinating to delve into, and Sartre relays his ideas in an approachable way without dumbing anything down. The first third of the book was spent nodding along vigorously, everything basically boiling down to the famous line that "existence precedes essence," that man creates himself.
Sartre then runs into a stumbling block: his complete and utter denial of what we now know to be pretty basic truths of human nature and psychology. Had he known what we know now, I think he would've adjusted his views accordingly, but as it stands, I think much of Satre's philosophy hinges on a faulty premise.
Still, it's a fascinating read, and it's hard not to feel inspired when you finally turn the last page.
I think this would make a great primer on existentialism. My first experience with Sartre himself and I am not left disappointed. Also loved the inclusion of his commentary on the Stranger.
I was into the existentialists in high school, but looking back, I don't think I understood them at all. Now I'm morbid and anxious enough, yay. This book actually made me want to read more Camus. The few quotes from The Stranger here were the most beautiful parts.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
*screaming at strangers on the street* É NECESSÁRIO QUE O HOMEM SE ENCONTRE A SI PRÓPRIO E SE PERSUADA DE QUE NADA PODE SALVÁ-LO DE SI MESMO
though i appreciated sartre's ideas, this was too blatantly defensive for my liking
informative
reflective
medium-paced