Friedrich Nietzsche quote
The best philosophy books are those that reflect the ideology of several of the greatest intellectuals in human history. It is the thought of scholars such as Seneca or René Descartes, to mention some of the best known. In more recent times, the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, Simone de Beauvuoir, Osho and Jostein Gaarder, among others, are unavoidable.
Likewise, philosophical texts that are actually compilations completed over several centuries can be purchased in bookstores around the world (Tao Te Ching, It is one of them). Everyone philosophical books have in common a thoughtful, profound purpose, worthy of being analyzed with calm and contemplation. Therefore, in this type of reading the rush is completely meaningless. Here is a list of the best works in this field.
Tao Te Ching (XNUMXth century BC)
Also referred to as Dao De Jing o Tao Te Ching, It is an ancient writing from China. Its development can be inferred from its name; well Dao means "the way", of symbolizes "power" or "virtue" and jing refers to "classic book". In accordance with Chinese tradition, it was made during the XNUMXth century BC. C for Laozi —transliterated Lao Tzu, “old teacher” - Archivist of the Zhou Dynasty.
However, many scholars question the authorship and age of this text. On the other hand, the statements of the Tao Te Ching laid most of the canons of philosophical Taoism. Consequently, this manuscript significantly influenced other disciplines or spiritual schools on the Asian continent (Neo-Confucianism and Legalism, for example).
Connotations and interpretation
This writing is full of ambiguous precepts, applicable in different life situations, from the most common and everyday topics to recommendations for the political class. Therefore, the most advisable thing for readers is to take the notions of the Dao De Jing without trying to be absolute or completely objective.
fundamental concepts
- The Tao understands the conception of infinite questions, it is perpetual, it has no definite shape or sound. Nor can it be described in words.
- El Dao De Jing associates with Yin —The feminine, dark and mysterious side of things— with the fluid condition of the water or softness. In contrast to the rusticity and solidity of a rock or mountain (Yan).
- The notion of "return" in the Dao De Jing is synonymous with "reflection", "Hindsight" or "withdrawal" on himself. In no case does it refer to a return to what happened.
- The Nothing represents the nucleus of the Tao and the Being, its purpose. Accordingly, it is necessary to put aside the ego, preconceptions and worldly concerns if the aspiration is true mental wholeness.
Of the brevity of life (55 AD)
By brevitate vitae was one of the texts that made up Dialogues, the book of philosopher Seneca dedicated to Paulino. In the work, the author claims that life — despite appearing so — is not short; it is the person who produces that perception not knowing how to take advantage of it. For this reason, historians point to the Roman thinker as an unequivocal reference for the authors of the Spanish Golden Age.
fundamental concepts
- Time is preciousTherefore, it should not be wasted investigating issues that are ultimately irrelevant.
- An individual who does not desire a fleetingly perceived life should not keep busy.
- Life passes in three times: past, present and future. From them, the present is just a blink —almost nonexistent— the future is full of uncertainty and the past is the only thing undeniable.
- Someone truly wise - according to Seneca - is a being who conscientiously remembers the past, take advantage of the present and know how to guide your future.
- Those who relegate the past, neglect their present and they face the future with doubts and fears.
Discourse of the method (1637), by René Descartes
This essay is considered one of the pillars of Western philosophy and a text with enormous implications for the development of science. The full title of this work is (translated from French) Discourse on the method for conducting one's own reason well and seeking the truth in science.
Structure of the discourse and synopsis
It is divided into six parts:
- The first is an intellectual autobiography, in which the author doubts his previous knowledge, criticizes the sciences and theology of his time. There he concludes with the affirmation that the only way to the truth is in oneself.
- In the second section, Descartes quickly explains the bases of his new method through four rules:
- Evidence as an indispensable requirement to support a claim.
- Divide a problem into as many parts as necessary for its thorough examination and proposition of the respective solutions.
- Rank ideas; in ascending order according to their complexity.
- Review the work done to "be sure not to omit anything."
- In the third part, he urges the modern thinker to permanently cultivate his reason and talks about a "transitory morality that governs his life." Regarding this provisional code, mention four inescapable slogans:
- Comply with national laws, respect the traditions of the country, maintain your religion and listen to the most conservative opinions.
- Be decisive and determined in the actions to be carried out, even in those that generate doubts.
- The only thing really under a person's control are their own thoughts.
- In the fourth section, Descartes establishes the principle of "methodical doubt" and creates his famous slogan "I think, therefore I am", which acknowledges the existence of God.
- In the fifth part, the French intellectual diagrams an organization of the universe and attributes the soul only to human beings (excludes animals).
- In the sixth section, Descartes states that scientific knowledge must be disseminated. Finally, he exposes his desire not to become "someone important in the world" to avoid distractions and concentrate completely on his studies.
This is how Zarathustra spoke (1883), by Friedrich Nietzsche
It is considered the masterpiece of Friedrich Nietzsche. Thus spoke Zarathustra. A book for everyone and nobody (full title) explores the main ideas of the German philosopher. These thoughts are embodied in a sequence of stories and lyrical essays that focus on the experiences and reflections of the prophet Zarathustra (the Zoroaster of the Persians).
Actually, Nietzsche used a fictional figure of Zarathustra - not the historical figure - as the spokesman for his doctrines. It presents him as an enlightened being whose judgment exceeds that of any human being and in an antagonistic way to the precepts of the Catholic Church.
Theme
The death of God
It represents that moment in which man achieves such a level of maturity that he does not need a God to mark the guidelines of his existence. At that point, morality is replaced by truth and man is entirely responsible for his own path.
The will of power or Ubermensch
It is the central argument of the work, derived from the pre-Socratic philosophy, with clear vitalistic and naturalistic features. Although, Nietzsche always shows a clear ambiguity regarding the depth of his book "born of the most intimate wealth of truth." And it is that, at the same time, it shuns any pretense of "improving humanity."
The eternal return of life
Finally, Zarathustra exhorts men to embrace life in its entirety, rather than speculate on the afterlife. In the same way, Nietzsche asserts that the weakness of the human being is to seek prosperity and spiritual fulfillment after death.
Some of the most important philosophical books of the XNUMXth century
The second sex (1949), by Simone de Beauvoir
It is a fairly extensive essay that arose as a result of the French author's research on the historical conception and the role of women in society. Due to its revolutionary assertions - apart from becoming an impressive publishing success - This book laid the foundations for the feminist equity movement.
In the same way, it is considered an encyclopedic text because of the focus on the identity of women from different theoretical and scientific perspectives. Among the disciplines addressed are: sociology, anthropology, psychology, biology and reproductive anatomy (with its implications in the affective-sexual relationship).
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Sofia's world (1991), by Jostein Gaarder
Although this title is classified as a novel, The Norwegian author took advantage of this context to make a historical review of Western philosophy. The result has been a world best-selling book, translated into more than sixty languages and adapted for the cinema (1999) under the direction of Erik Gustavson.
Philosophical currents explained (to Sophie, the protagonist)
- Renacimiento
- Romanticism
- Existentialism
- Marx's ideas
- Additionally, the Big Bang theory is described and some fictional characters from classical literature appear (Little Red Riding Hood, Ebenezer Scrooge and a lady of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales).
Consciousness (2001), by Osho *
It should be noted, Osho is not an author in the strict sense of the term. His books were made from transcripts of impromptu talks and lectures given over a thirty-five-year period. In them, his reflections on issues ranging from the search for himself are presented, to deliberations on politics and society.
En Consciousness, the Hindu philosopher urges people to remain vigilant in "the here and now." In this way, the human being would be able to understand the irrelevance of emotions such as resentment, anger, jealousy and possessive feelings. In addition, it mentions the acceptance and union of polarities (joy and crying, for example) as a route to full balance.
Excellent article, but difficult to read in some parts because the typography is very clear.