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.

I really enjoyed this reading so much that I thought one should only read biographies. Because, to put it tautologically, what concerns you more in life than life itself? And yet, despite all my enthusiasm, the problem is that very few biographies are written so brilliantly that you can devour 700 pages like a cake with tea. Ray Monk was perfectly organized, thorough, and clear, which is a winning combination for such an endeavor. Everything is well thought out, dignified, supported, and, surprisingly, despite the number of pages, as short as possible – nothing can be left out there, and, I believe, nothing can be added either.

When confronted with the entirety of someone's life, the question arises – what to single out? And when reading this book, it is easy to forget that the biography itself is a selection, so my question is then a selection of the selection. Nevertheless, the title already helps in this confusion – because if there is one thing that could be said about Wittgenstein, it is that he was a brilliant mind. Genius. One of the few philosophers who did not want to mask questions with new questions, but to give answers, to bring order to thought. The proof that this is not just an arrogant desire is his work, for which many today claim that he brought philosophy to an end. However, as is often the case with the greatest minds and their most quoted statements, interpretations often have little to do with what was actually said. Accordingly, the story about the end of philosophy is not the end, just as the famous sentence "whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent" has little to do with silence and self-censorship.

But to leave aside these philosophical observations for now, it is important, in accordance with the title, to think about the duty of a genius – to himself and to society. Although the question of how to recognize a genius is a big one in itself, the question of responsibility towards that特殊性 is even more stimulating and it, just like a refrain, appears again in this biography. Because, despite all his qualities (or precisely because of them!), Wittgenstein led a mostly gloomy life, full of dissatisfaction and restlessness. There are many reasons why this was so, and some, of course, stem from the family. I will mention only a few data: his father Karl was one of the richest Europeans at the turn of the century; three of Ludwig's brothers (Rudolf, Johannes, and Konrad) committed suicide (Ludwig himself had serious suicidal thoughts throughout his life); plus, when you add his Jewish origin, you really get a difficult combination. Also, Ludwig tried throughout his life to place his (homo)sexuality where it belonged – it is attested that he was completely in love three times, but it is not entirely clear what the nature of those relationships was, given that he insisted on the opposition of sex and love. (After all, as if the details matter.)

In any case, it is clear that one had to be especially strong to carry the burden of one's family, one's inheritance, and one's nature throughout life. And this especially if you are a sophisticated being, with many talents and a sharp mind. But Ludwig, despite his intellect, rarely made things easier for himself by getting into various dead ends. He was a volunteer in World War I, where he had his share, subordinates, where he passionately read Tolstoy, admitted that he felt like a chicken when he had to carry a bomb, and where, as he admits, after a long time he was able to masturbate. Ironically, Wittgenstein's going to war was an attempt at salvation: the realization of a deeply transforming experience. After the war, he renounced his father's wealth, and before the war, he graduated not in philosophy but in aeronautics. As an aeronautical engineer, he arrives in Cambridge, to Bertrand Russell, who will also be his mentor in doctoral studies. Their first encounter was unusual, Russell completely misjudged him, and Ludwig was surprisingly insecure and fragile. After that, their relations will change from extremely warm to completely cold, about which an entire book could be dedicated.

Although he had the opportunity to do nothing in life, as well as to be academically secluded, Wittgenstein had a surprisingly diverse career – he was also a porter, gardener, assistant in medical experiments, but also a teacher. And I really wondered – what kind of classes were those! In short – all kinds. Ludwig insisted on algebra, which was a great pain for most students (two hours of math every day before anything else), and after that, he would very dedicatedly cover various fields of knowledge, often through research activities, among which the use of the microscope, the demonstration of examples from biology and geology, and the study of the cat skeleton stand out. However, despite his dedication, Wittgenstein brutally physically punished his students, and it is also recorded that he pulled one girl's hair so hard that an entire strand came out. (There was, by God, also legal persecution, but those who want can find the details in the book.)

He did not stay long in high school because he concluded that everyone there was an imbecile. The professorial job in Cambridge was hateful to him, and he believed that he was not changing anything with his lectures – that he could hardly reach anyone at all. (It is interesting that he knew how to be silent literally for two minutes during his lectures to think. The students did not interrupt him, proud to be present at that process.) He did not stay there either. On the other hand, he lamented throughout his life why he did not study medicine and thought that he could go in that direction. He even seriously intended to move to Russia permanently, right in the middle of Stalin's rise.

His choice of travel is even unusual – while most people would imagine their ideal vacation in the south, Wittgenstein traveled north. With David Pinsent, his first great love and the man to whom he dedicated the "Tractatus", he was in Iceland, and he himself stayed in Norway several times. In all these movements, his attitude towards the national and the local was contradictory, as was his political program – neither a leftist nor a rightist, a willfully impoverished child of a tycoon, an uncompromising atheist and a Jewish Catholic. There was even a certain absurd pride in belonging to the German world just when he became a British citizen (he did not like the idea of dying in England at all, it sounded degrading to him).

Besides the mentioned life tapestry, the authors' insights into the basic ideas of Wittgenstein's theoretical work are brilliant (great for an introduction and/or refreshing the memory), as are the interesting facts related to encounters and influences. It is amusing to imagine Wittgenstein's encounter with Alan Turing or Virginia Woolf, where neither he nor she was impressed by each other, or the communication of the members of the Vienna Circle with the admiration for Otto Weininger (who, unfortunately, also committed suicide). Also, Wittgenstein was fascinated by the "Karamazovs", and especially by the character of the elder Zosima. That spiritual line in the course of his life was especially interesting to me and shows the harm of reducing Wittgenstein to the dry bed of analytics. And although I have written a lot, these are just short theses compared to what can be found in the book.

And after all, one thought. If I could choose between a peaceful, fulfilling, and happy life on the one hand and an extraordinary, genius work on the other, most likely I would choose the first one. Again, some Faustian business!

To Superhuman, Soul, and Sincerity

There might be, if I may take the liberty to guess, a certain type of people about whom it is really hard to know only a little. Their personal lives or characters are so intriguing that once you know a couple of stories, you will be almost forced to learn more. I cannot say with confidence that Wittgenstein is one of them. However, I believe, with much more confidence, that even if he was, he would also be one of those about whom it is equally hard to know a lot.

If it sounds paradoxical, that’s because it is. In fact, this very paradox was what Ray Monk tried to deal with in his book. Few would find Wittgenstein’s stories unattractive, especially in an atmosphere where these stories are usually retold in a fancy-like tone. However, the peculiar nature of Wittgenstein’s writings makes his work extremely unwelcoming for those who are not fully equipped. For example, they need a persistent mind, an acute intuition, and perhaps most importantly, the suffering of philosophical confusion.

When I decided to read The Duty of Genius, I was definitely among those who are equipped with nothing yet find Wittgenstein immensely interesting. I knew many fancy tales like: Wittgenstein was Russel’s student but later became Russel’s master; he had the incredible ability of mastering any skill he had his hands on, from airplane building to philosophy; in his thesis defense, he clapped the professor on the shoulder and said “Don’t worry, I know you can’t understand”. In this biography, I encountered one by one these fancy tales that attracted me to read the book in the first place. But with their halo covered by context, I found that “Russel’s master” is just a metaphor used to demonstrate Wittgenstein’s influence on his advisor. Wittgenstein, in spite of his great intelligence, certainly could not do everything. He designed a plane because his first major was aero engineering. In a nutshell, the genius I met through the window of text is not, as I expected, a brilliant rich elite that proudly sneers at all other dummies in the world. Instead, he is a delicate yet strong soul struggling to devote himself to the ultimate goal of life: to make use of his genius and be true.

The Chinese translation of the title “The Duty of Genius” 天才之为责任 is quite accurate. The idea Wittgenstein got from Otto Weininger is that becoming a genius is a person’s duty. And for Wittgenstein, when he realized he possessed the genius of philosophy, it was his duty to follow that genius and contribute something new to the world. He kept working until cancer deprived him of his consciousness and then life. He said he would rather die earlier if he had to live but not able to do philosophy. He did almost quit philosophy after the publishing of Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, only because he thought all the problems of philosophy had been solved. And he returned to philosophical work when he realized there was still work to do.

Comparing to the tales showing how smart he was, what deserve more public memory are the facts that his mind never became stiff and at the apex, his ideas would wholly renew in the matter of hours. He regarded philosophy as his duty and pursued it till the end of his life. His family was one of the richest in Europe, but he rejected his share of inheritance and once lived in poverty. He went to rural Vienna to apologize to his former students for the corporal punishment years ago when he was an elementary school teacher. He refused to receive a research grant in his late years because he thought his mind became slow and could not do philosophy as he did before. Wittgenstein believed the core of religion is not the doctrine but the practice. Judging from what he did through his life, one might even say that he was a kind of saint, avoiding anything to irritate, not the Catholic God, but his own conscience, or as he put it “the God who in my bosom dwells”.

Wittgenstein died in a house with a name of homophonic prophecy “Storeys End”. The day before his death, being told that his friends would come to see him on the next day, Wittgenstein said his famous last words “Tell them I’ve had a wonderful life.” One must admit that Wittgenstein, who had always been honest and sincere, was still honest at this very moment.

This is by far the best biography I have read so far.

Though I must confess that I haven't read that many biographies. Before delving into this book, I was not even familiar with the name Ludwig Wittgenstein.

However, after reading it, it is truly difficult not to admire and fall in love with his unadulterated intelligence, childish innocence, and unblemished heart that remained faithful to himself and everyone whose life he influenced.

In many parts of the book, it is heart-wrenching to think about the loneliness that Prof. Wittgenstein endured throughout his life.

In his own words, it was due to "his too little faith and too little courage in love" and his inability to express his feelings.

But more than that, I believe that throughout his life, Prof. Wittgenstein suffered from severe self-deprecation regarding his feelings and the work he did as a professor and professional philosopher.

This self-deprecation was so intense that at times, he abandoned philosophy to take on jobs that he considered "real work", such as working in the army, as an apprentice in a lab, or even as a small-town mathematics teacher.

What is completely counterintuitive is that most of his best work emerged during this period when he was not actively engaged in philosophy.

The book skillfully connects the dots, explaining his work as a philosopher through his life and his life through his philosophy.

All in all, it serves as a reminder, if not a life lesson, for anyone who desires to accomplish something but often gets caught in the trap of the illusion of grandeur.

While the entire world that knew Ludwig Wittgenstein during and after his lifetime was convinced of his raw genius and the importance of the work he was doing (even if they weren't necessarily convinced of its correctness), the one person who was never satisfied with his work and was always critical of it was Ludwig Wittgenstein himself.

This is a very good and interesting biography indeed!

It has truly captivated my attention and made me realize that I have been missing out on a wonderful genre. Reading this biography has sparked a newfound curiosity within me, compelling me to explore more biographies in the future.

Biographies offer a unique opportunity to peek into the lives of remarkable individuals, learning from their experiences, achievements, and failures. They provide valuable insights into different eras, cultures, and fields of endeavor.

I now understand the importance of delving into the lives of others through biographies. It not only broadens our knowledge but also enriches our perspectives. I look forward to embarking on this new literary journey and uncovering the fascinating stories that lie within the pages of many more biographies.