Schopenhauer in 90 Minutes Audiobook By Paul Strathern cover art

Schopenhauer in 90 Minutes

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Schopenhauer in 90 Minutes

By: Paul Strathern
Narrated by: Robert Whitfield
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Schopenhauer, the "philosopher of pessimism", makes it very plain that he regards the world and our life in it as a bad joke. But if the world is indifferent to our fate, it doesn't thwart us on purpose. The world's facade is supported by what Schopenhauer calls the Universal Will, blind and without purpose. This Will brings on all our misery and suffering; our only hope is to liberate ourselves from its power and from the trappings of individualism and egoism that are at its mercy.

In Schopenhauer in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Schopenhauer's life and ideas, and explains their influence on man's struggle to understand his existence in the world. The book also includes selections from Schopenhauer's writings, a brief list of suggested readings for those who wish to delve deeper, and chronologies that place Schopenhauer within his own age and in the broader scheme of philosophy.

©1999 Paul Strathern (P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks Metaphysics Philosophy Destiny

Critic reviews

"Well-written, clear, and informed, they have a breezy wit about them. I find them hard to stop reading." (The New York Times)

Quick Overview • Broader Coverage • Well-spent Time
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If you could sum up Schopenhauer in 90 Minutes in three words, what would they be?
aka Cliff Notes

Would you recommend Schopenhauer in 90 Minutes to your friends? Why or why not?
Yes - I've listened to each book in the series about a major philosopher that is available on Audible. Strathern's books don't have the analytical depth found in Will Durant's "The Story of Philosophy" books, but he does a good job summarizing each philosopher's biography, major philosophical points, and criticisms. Additionally, Strathern's breadth is broader than Durant's in that he covers a greater number of philosophers. I believe that the time spent listening to these books has been well-spent.

My reviews for each book in the series about a philosopher are identical.

What about Robert Whitfield’s performance did you like?
Voice is clear, well-modulated, and easily understood, even at 1 1/2 speed.

In 90 Minutes Series overview

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re-i forces "crisis-theory" as explanation of history and human events, including development of the science of psychoanalysis , forshadowing Sigmund Freuds emergence


Continued process

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Enjoyable but not exactly illuminating; more about the man than the philosophy. Then again it was 'free' so what was I expecting?

what I wished I'd gotten was 5 min of biography, 10 minutes to situate Schopenhauer in the history of philosophy, 60 min explaining his one big idea then 15 min on how his ideas have reverberated in those that came after. Instead it was 70/5/10/5

witty but superficial

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Right to the point! I like it, —— now I can continue learning more…. Thank you!

Informative

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This book helps shed light on Schopenhauer’s life and personality and is a quick overview of his philosophy. This makes me feel a lot of anger toward Schopenhauer as his personality and view of women seem intolerable. I do plan to read books or essays by him to get a feel for his philosophy from his perspective as well.

Quick overview of Schopenhauer

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all of these seem to be a bit mean to the subject--for example, judging done of the things in his life, and saying that Schopenhauer didn't live his life in accordance to his own philosophy.

Why do snarky?

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I enjoyed listening to the commentaries very well written and explained . I opted to listen to it twice on order to fully appreciate content

Great introduction to Schopenhauer

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behold, the men! now I know why Nietzsche picked on him so much... life is will to power or is life will and representation?

represent your will to life

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This judgmental Buffon spends more time in an ad hominem attack on the man - with only incidental touchings - on the damn message of the philosopher. Paul Strathern you are an ignoramus!!! No one gives a god damn about your opinions. No one cares what your feeble analysis of men whose chamber pots you are unfit to empty. Yet in fact - you are rather suited to the task of carrier of excrement - since you - in opening your figurative mouth do nothing but sling FECES! You sir - are a pompous inept JACKASS!! You owe me and everyone unfortunate enough to purchase and listen to your drivel - both a refund and an apology! Idiot.

This has nothing to do with the philosopher

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The author seems more interested in expressing his general disdain for Schopenhauer as a person than in explaining his philosophy, making this an unpleasant read/listen.

Biased and cynical

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