Ludwig Wittgenstein: The Duty of Genius

There are two main reasons to relish this book. Firstly, Ray Monk has done an exemplary job in documenting the life of "the genius" and elucidating his concepts and thoughts. He has painstakingly pieced together the details of Wittgenstein's life, providing a comprehensive and in-depth account.

Secondly, Wittgenstein himself led a life filled with an abundance of fascinating anecdotes and profound discussions with the likes of Russel, Turing, Pinsent, and his own students. These interactions offer a unique window into his mind and character. Some of the stories are uproariously funny, while others are heart-wrenchingly sad or even awkward. However, all of them come together to paint a captivating and multi-faceted picture of who Wittgenstein truly was.

This book is not only a must-read for those interested in philosophy but also for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of one of the most enigmatic and influential figures of the 20th century.

A complete and extraordinary intellectual biography.

It illustrates all aspects of the character Wittgenstein, from the most curious and eccentric ones to the technical aspects of his thought.

I believe it is an essential reading for anyone interested in 20th-century philosophy in general, not just in Wittgenstein.

Whoever reads it may not have read a single line of Wittgenstein before approaching it - but surely cannot be devoid of philosophy.

This biography offers a comprehensive view of Wittgenstein's life and work. It delves into his unique personality traits, which were both fascinating and sometimes controversial. The author explores the various stages of his intellectual development, highlighting the key ideas and concepts that shaped his philosophy.

Whether you are a professional philosopher or simply someone with a general interest in the subject, this book has something to offer. It provides valuable insights into the mind of one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century and helps to place his work in the context of the broader philosophical landscape.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Wittgenstein and his philosophy.

I'm going to ramble a bit here. I truly hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

Wittgenstein was indeed a most curious character. At his birth, he emerged into one of the wealthiest families in Europe. And at his death, he left the world as a famous philosopher. I'm well aware. It is quite peculiar that anyone with a "philosophical" bent could end up famous and appreciated. (May Socrates rest in peace.)

Alas, I must admit: I know very little about Wittgenstein's public relations, media representation, and how the average person, during his lifetime, saw him. There was a rather superficial discussion on this point.

Monk, though, described Wittgenstein - late in his life - as more prominent than his teacher Bertrand Russell. And this is - no doubt - a name many people reading this review are familiar with.

Moving forward, the book was quite a good overview of the late thinker's life. Monk shows that he not only understood Wittgenstein by elaborating on the various psychological elements of the man's psyche. But that he also understood the complex underpinnings of his works and ideas.

And let it be known. Many a philosopher has been caught confused by this thinker's mechanical no-nonsense prose on the foundations of logic, language, and the limits of conceptualization.

I'm going to highlight some interesting ideas.

On the mind and personality of the philosopher:

- Monk did a good job describing his persistent suicidal ideation, and how philosophy practically became his treatment.

- He elaborated quite well on the oft-spoken trait of the philosophically prone: Shitty at small talk.

- He did a great job at describing the growth, humanity, and confusions of the man.

Some negatives:

- The book is not, in my eyes, so systematic. But one can refute: Is life? I don't know.

- Monk did a poor job describing Wittgenstein's sexuality and its conflicts of the time. He, at times, hinted at his bisexuality? Homosexuality? Whatever. But did not really explicitly explain what was going on. I imagine some people may be disappointed by this.

- He did not go as deeply into philosophical investigations as one may desire.

Overall, it was a very solid biography, and I quite enjoyed it.

Recommended for:

- Those struggling to understand Wittgenstein.

- Those curious about the man.

- Those interested in biographies.

- Philosophers working on logic, epistemology, and the foundations of mathematics.

A Fabulous Book

This is truly a remarkable book. It offers an honest and detailed description of Wittgenstein's behavior and his unique mental modus-operandi. The author shows great sympathy towards his fierce obligations to "truth", or whatever he firmly believed to be true. It is an intense read that completely engages the reader. In fact, it had such a profound impact on me that the day after I finished the book, I had a dream of Wittgenstein! It was a rather amusing experience. This book not only provides valuable insights into Wittgenstein's life and thoughts but also makes the reader think deeply about the nature of truth and our own obligations. It is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy or the life of this great thinker.

Marvelous biography - deserving of all the praise.

Monk has truly enlightened me by clarifying numerous aspects. He vividly showcases the continental nature of Wittgenstein's background and education. While Russell and Frege held significance for him, it is also evident that Goethe, Kierkegaard, Spengler, Kant, and others played crucial roles. I find great validation in Monk's assertion that Spengler was the main influence behind the turn Wittgenstein took towards Philosophical Investigations.

It would be an absolute delight to read a book that focuses solely on Wittgenstein's relationship with Christianity. However, unfortunately, I don't believe such a book exists. This gap in the literary landscape leaves me longing for a more in-depth exploration of this particular aspect of Wittgenstein's life and thought.

Nonetheless, Monk's biography has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and a deeper understanding of Wittgenstein's complex intellectual journey. It is a remarkable piece of work that I highly recommend to anyone interested in philosophy and the life of this influential thinker.

**Title: The Life and Works of Wittgenstein**

Ray Monk's biography "Wittgenstein" offers a detailed account of the life and philosophical journey of Ludwig Wittgenstein. The author, a philosopher himself, has a deep understanding of Wittgenstein's work.

The book highlights the role of logical investigation in Wittgenstein's life. His childhood and youth showed an interest in the practical and functional, whether in furniture or the precision of language use. The biographer used various sources, including Wittgenstein's correspondences with family, colleagues, and friends, to gather material for the book.

The biography is divided into four parts. Part I follows Wittgenstein's life until the end of World War I. During the war, he discovered Tolstoy's "The Gospel Explained" and became interested in Christianity. After the war, he faced difficulties in getting his work, the Tractatus, understood and published.

In Part II, we see Wittgenstein's years as a primary school teacher in rural Austria and his decision to return to philosophy in Cambridge. By this time, the Tractatus had been published and he was recognized in the academic community.

Part III focuses on the revision of Wittgenstein's ideas developed in the Tractatus. He abandoned the idea of a necessary common structure between the world and language. In the 1930s, he developed an admiration for Freud after reading "The Interpretation of Dreams."

Finally, in Part IV, we follow Wittgenstein's life during World War II. He obtained British citizenship and returned to teaching in Cambridge. However, he was also involved in practical work, such as working in a hospital and conducting research on trauma. Despite his reluctance to be a professor, he continued to be a critical philosopher, questioning the use of language in philosophy.

Overall, Monk's biography provides a comprehensive and engaging look at the life and work of one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century.

One of my all-time favourite books is truly a masterpiece.

As a teenager, I didn't typically have the habit of rereading books. However, this particular one stood out as an exception.

It had such a profound impact on me that I would give it the highest praise I possibly could.

The author, Ray Monk, has crafted a work that is not only engaging but also thought-provoking.

Every time I pick up this book, I discover something new and gain a deeper understanding of the story and its characters.

It has become a source of inspiration for me and has influenced my perspective on many things.

I am truly grateful to Ray Monk for creating such a wonderful piece of literature.

A Thoughtful and Thorough Portrait

A thoughtful and thorough portrait is a work of art that demands our attention and invites us to seriously engage with it. It is a creation that goes beyond the mere representation of a subject, delving deep into their essence and capturing their unique qualities.

Seriously tasteful, such a portrait exudes an air of sophistication and elegance. It is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, from the choice of colors and composition to the subtleties of expression and gesture. The artist's skill and vision are evident in every brushstroke, resulting in a piece that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally resonant.

Whether it is a painting, a photograph, or a sculpture, a thoughtful and thorough portrait has the power to move us, to make us see the world in a new light, and to connect us with the subject on a profound level. It is a testament to the human capacity for creativity and self-expression, and a reminder of the beauty and complexity that exists within each of us.