Summaries of books about Existentialism:
I'd Rather Be Reading
The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life
Anne Bogel
The book is a collection of essays that explore the joys and challenges of being an avid reader, from organizing bookshelves and choosing the next read to the emotional resonance of favorite books. It delves into the reader's experience, celebrating the unique bond between books and their readers.
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Write Your Novel From The Middle
A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between
James Scott Bell
The book introduces a unique method for writing a novel by starting at the midpoint, which is considered the "mirror moment" where the main character reflects on their situation. It provides strategies for both outlining (plotters) and improvisational writing (pantsers) to create a compelling narrative structure from this central point.
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At the Existentialist Café
Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails with Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, Martin Heidegger, Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Others
Sarah Bakewell
The book offers a lively narrative that delves into the lives and philosophies of existentialist thinkers, exploring their passionate discussions, relationships, and the impact of their ideas on both their personal lives and the broader cultural landscape. It weaves together biography, philosophy, history, and personal reflection to illuminate the existentialist movement and its enduring influence.
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If You’d Just Let Me Finish
Jeremy Clarkson
The book is a collection of humorous and opinionated essays on a wide range of topics, from everyday annoyances to social commentary, showcasing the author's distinctive wit and blunt observations about modern life. It reflects on the absurdities of the 21st century through the author's personal experiences and his take on current events.
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The Conspiracy against the Human Race
A Contrivance of Horror
Thomas Ligotti
The book presents a philosophical analysis of pessimism, arguing that human existence is inherently negative and that consciousness is a curse. It delves into horror literature and philosophical pessimism, drawing from the works of various writers to support the idea that non-existence is preferable to life.
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The Egg and I
Betty MacDonald
The memoir humorously recounts the author's adventures and misadventures as she and her husband attempt to run a chicken farm in the remote mountains of Washington State during the 1940s. It explores the challenges of farm life, quirky neighbors, and the realities of raising poultry, all told through the lens of MacDonald's sharp wit and keen observations.
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Existentialism Is a Humanism
Jean-Paul Sartre
The book presents a lecture given by Sartre in which he defends existentialism against various criticisms, outlining its key tenets such as the centrality of individual choice, the absence of a predetermined essence for humanity, and the responsibility that comes with absolute freedom. Sartre emphasizes the existentialist belief that humans define their own meaning in life through their actions and choices, rejecting deterministic constraints.
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Being and Nothingness
Jean-Paul Sartre
The book is a seminal work of existentialist philosophy that explores the nature of human existence, consciousness, and freedom, arguing that individuals are fundamentally free to make choices and create their own meaning in a world without inherent purpose. It delves into concepts such as bad faith, the Other, and the look, examining how people relate to themselves, others, and the world around them.
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Escape from Freedom
Erich Fromm
The book analyzes the psychological and sociological aspects of freedom, exploring the paradox that arises from the human fear of autonomy and the tendency to submit to authoritarianism as a defense mechanism. It delves into the historical development of this phenomenon, particularly focusing on the rise of totalitarian regimes in the 20th century and the individual's struggle with feelings of isolation and powerlessness in modern society.
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Why Does the World Exist?
An Existential Detective Story
Jim Holt
The book explores one of philosophy's most intriguing questions, why there is something rather than nothing, through a series of interviews with prominent philosophers, scientists, and writers. It delves into various theories and perspectives on existence, cosmology, and the nature of reality, presenting a thought-provoking journey through intellectual discourse on the ultimate mystery of the universe.
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