"Geen makkelijke man" can be translated as "Not an easy man". This simple phrase implies that the person being described is not one who is easily understood or dealt with. He may have a complex personality, high standards, or a difficult nature.

Perhaps he is a man who is constantly striving for excellence in all aspects of his life. He refuses to settle for mediocrity and is always pushing himself and those around him to do better. This can make him seem demanding and intimidating to some, but it also earns him the respect and admiration of others.

Alternatively, he may be a man who has faced many challenges and hardships in his life. These experiences have made him tough and resilient, but also perhaps a bit guarded and reluctant to trust easily. He may be slow to open up to others and may require a lot of patience and understanding to truly get to know.

In any case, "Geen makkelijke man" is a man who is not to be underestimated. He may present challenges, but he also has the potential to bring great rewards and make a significant impact on those around him.

«Οι προτάσεις μου αποτελούν διευκρινίσεις όταν αυτός που με καταλαβαίνει, αφού με τη βοήθεια τους - πατώντας πάνω τους - τις υπερπηδήσει και προχωρήσει πέρα από αυτές, τελικά τις αναγνωρίσει ως στερημένες από νόημα. (Πρέπει, θα λέγαμε, να πετάξει μακριά την ανεμόσκαλα, αφού ανέβει πρώτα σε αυτή.» (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus 6.54)

This passage from the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus presents a profound and somewhat paradoxical idea. Wittgenstein is suggesting that his propositions serve as clarifications. However, for someone to truly understand, they must first use these propositions as a stepping stone. They need to step on them, so to speak, and then leap over them and move beyond. Only then will they come to recognize that these propositions are actually without meaning. It's like climbing a ladder (the propositions) only to then throw it away once you've reached a certain point. This concept challenges our traditional ways of thinking about understanding and knowledge, forcing us to consider that perhaps the very tools we use to gain understanding may ultimately need to be discarded.

Let's be honest. To pay respect to Wittgenstein's logic, any review written should be blank.

This book offers a very intimate look into Wittgenstein's personal life. It would be extremely intriguing even if it were about a fictional nobody, let alone the philosophical genius himself. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I'm sure many people would as well, even those with no interest in philosophy. So, I would definitely recommend it.

You know what's funny? Wittgenstein was actually worried that his 15-20 years of work would be regarded as "flat, uninspired & uninteresting".

He admired Han's concentration. "He was sweating, totally absorbed, and completely oblivious of Ludwig’s presence. The image remained for Ludwig a paradigm of what it was like to be possessed of genius." ‘I am glad you read the lives of Mozart and Beethoven’, he told Russell.69 ‘These are the actual sons of God.’ And it was heartening that he eventually became what he admired.

His relationship with Russell was almost like a love story, and reading this book felt like a peek into their privacy. Without Russell's recognition of his philosophical capacity, he might have actually killed himself.

His passion and intensity were remarkable. "Again and again, one comes across the word ‘passion’ in Russell’s descriptions: ‘a pure intellectual passion’ that Wittgenstein (like Russell himself) had ‘in the highest degree’; ‘it makes me love him’." He talked about Beethoven, saying how a friend described going to his door and hearing him ‘cursing, howling and singing’ over his new fugue. After a whole hour, Beethoven at last came to the door, looking as if he had been fighting the devil, and having eaten nothing for 36 hours because his cook and parlour-maid had been away from his rage. That’s the sort of man to be.

His level of distance and preference for isolation were also notable. "To one who did not share his fundamental outlook, his utterances – whether on logic or on ethics – would, as likely as not, remain unintelligible. It was a tendency that began to worry Russell." When Russell told him he ought not simply to state what he thought, but should also provide arguments for it, he replied that arguments would spoil its beauty.

There are many important ideas in the book. For example, ethical and religious truths, though inexpressible, manifest themselves in life: The solution to the problem of life is to be seen in the disappearance of the problem. He also had interesting views on syntax, ‘gestalt', solipsism, science and the limit of language, mathematics, art, God, and humour.

Overall, this book is a fascinating exploration of Wittgenstein's life and ideas, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in philosophy or intellectual history.

I haven't got a clue what useful things I can say about Wittgenstein but I love his work and this book too much to keep my mouth shut. So here goes.

Wittgenstein has long been my favourite philosopher. The other one being Kant for his thought - but as a person Kant is so, so boring. I did not even have to read him to glean already from clips of Derek Jarman's Wittgenstein that there was something profound, original, and unmatched in his thought. His notion of the unsayable and what he tries to get at in saying: "If a lion could talk, we could not understand it." were huge influences when I was writing my KI IS last year. (Not that that was any good; Wittgenstein would have trashed it.)

So before reading this I was staggered already by Wittgenstein. After reading it I am even more staggered. The fact is Wittgenstein is one of the few analytic philosophers who appear really human. That he has a beating heart is not ever in question. Not when he struggles with writing and questions eternally if his work is any good. Certainly not when he struggles with his homosexuality and tries to square the circle in the tension he sees between sexuality and love. And above all not in that burning desire for the truth that suffuses the best of his work.

In writing about this undoubted genius, Monk manages to make genius human, and never once slips into idolatry or exaggerations of Wittgenstein's character. One doesn't have to, anyway - that detective story-loving, Schubert-singing, aphoristic philosopher's character leaps off the page right into your heart. (There is something so queer too that all evidence that Wittgenstein was different from an ordinary person makes him in the final analysis all the more human; we realize that "human" is no shorthand for mundanity.) Monk, in writing about Wittgenstein, gets the essential parts of his philosophy across neatly and demonstratively. And from the copious letters and conversations he has to select from, chooses just the right anecdote to shine brighter light on whatever facet of Wittgenstein's life he's discussing. (There's much there to laugh at, and be moved by.)

What is most moving for me in this life is not Wittgenstein's cleverness or alterity, even if those are always clearly in evidence. It is the constant searching of his conscience and faith, a search Beethovenian in its tempestuousness, that really sears as you read it. Wittgenstein took statements, meanings, and life seriously - and everything else seems to spring from that restless seriousness.

It is all quite inspiring. I suspect the gravity of Wittgenstein's thought has already made me think, and see life, differently. As seems to have happened to most people who met the living man; and as I think will happen to anyone who reads this book. In sum, once again - I loved it.

A Fascinating Book about a Fascinating Man

This is a truly captivating book that delves into the life of an equally captivating individual. The story unfolds, taking the reader on a journey through the man's remarkable experiences, his triumphs, and his challenges.

The author has masterfully crafted a narrative that not only provides a detailed account of the man's life but also offers insights into his character and the forces that shaped him. Each page is filled with vivid descriptions and engaging anecdotes that bring the man to life.

Whether you are interested in history, biography, or simply a good story, this book is sure to satisfy. It offers a unique perspective on a fascinating man and his impact on the world around him. So, pick up this book and prepare to be enthralled by the story of a truly remarkable individual.

An extraordinary book that delves into the life and mind of one of the true geniuses of the 20th century. This remarkable individual's story is told in vivid detail, captivating readers from the very first page. The book explores their early years, the challenges they faced, and the remarkable achievements that made them a legend. With engaging prose and in-depth research, it offers a unique perspective on the genius's work and its impact on the world. Whether you're a fan of the genius or simply interested in learning about one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, this book is a must-read.

Monk's biography of Wittgenstein is truly remarkable. It serves as one of the finest introductions, not just to the enigmatic figure of old Ludwig Wittgenstein himself, but also to the fascinating realm of analytic philosophy and the unique intellectual climate that prevailed in Europe during the early part of the 20th century.

Monk's detailed and engaging narration delves deep into the complex genius of Wittgenstein. It explores his profound philosophical ideas and the way they evolved over time. At the same time, it doesn't shy away from presenting his almost insufferable personality traits. This comprehensive portrayal makes the biography a must-read for anyone who has a genuine interest in Wittgenstein and the historical context in which he lived and worked.

Whether you are a student of philosophy, a curious reader, or someone with a general interest in intellectual history, Monk's biography offers valuable insights and a captivating story that will keep you engaged from start to finish. It is a work that enriches our understanding of Wittgenstein and his significant contributions to the world of philosophy and beyond.

4.5 stars.

This colossal book truly stands as a paragon for all biographies. In terms of the extensive research conducted, it offers an abundance of details not only about the life of Ludwig Wittgenstein but also about his profound thoughts and remarkable works.

Admittedly, it can become somewhat tiresome at times. Given the highly abstract nature of Wittgenstein's work, understanding the content can often prove to be a challenge. However, the book manages to do a commendable job of presenting his life and work in a coherent and engaging narrative.

As readers, we are able to sense Wittgenstein's transition from one phase or mode of thinking to another, while also keeping track of the status of his real-world interactions. This comprehensive approach makes the book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in delving deeper into the life and mind of this influential philosopher.

Overall, despite its occasional drawbacks, this biography of Ludwig Wittgenstein is a must-read for those seeking a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of his life and work.

The article is extremely comprehensive and meticulously written.

It is evident that a great deal of effort and research has gone into its composition.

However, one cannot help but notice that it is also extremely long.

This length might potentially pose a challenge for some readers who may have limited time or patience.

While the thoroughness is commendable, it could perhaps be condensed or presented in a more digestible format without sacrificing the essential information.

Nonetheless, the author's attention to detail and ability to cover the topic extensively are truly remarkable.

Overall, it is a well-written piece that offers a wealth of knowledge, but its length may require some adjustment to better suit the needs of the intended audience.

Most surprising for me was the religious-mystical-spiritual thread that runs through Wittgenstein’s life and work. He was far from the coldly rational uber-logician often presented. As his friend Drury said, commentators made it seem Wittgenstein’s writings could be easily assimilated into the intellectual milieu they were warning against, like the Vienna Circle, technical analytic philosophy, and logical positivism.

Here are a few quotations. “My whole tendency and I believe the tendency of all men who ever tried to write or talk on Ethics or Religion was to run against the boundaries of language. This running against the walls of our cage is perfectly, absolutely hopeless. Ethics… can be no science. What it says does not add to our knowledge in any sense. But it is a document of a tendency in the human mind which I personally cannot help respecting deeply and I would not for my life ridicule it.” p277.

“I am honestly disgusted with […] a kind of idol worship, the idol being Science and the Scientist.” p405. One can imagine his contempt for the likes of Dawkins and Sam Harris.

“An honest religious thinker is like a tightrope walker. He almost looks as though he were walking on nothing but air. His support is the slenderest imaginable. And yet it really is possible to walk on it.” p464.

“It isn’t absurd, e.g., to believe that the age of science and technology is the beginning of the end for humanity; that the idea of great progress is a delusion, along with the idea that the truth will ultimately be known; that there is nothing good or desirable about scientific knowledge and that mankind, in seeking it, is falling into a trap. It is by no means obvious that this is not how things are.” p485.

Wonderfully, “A picture that intruded upon him, he wrote, was of our civilization, ‘cheaply wrapped in cellophane, and isolated from everything great, from God, as it were’.” p489.

And a personal favourite that gives some insight into Wittgenstein's sense of humour: "I am sitting with a philosopher in the garden; he says again and again ‘I know that that’s a tree’, pointing to a tree that is near us. Someone else arrives and hears this, and I tell them: ‘This fellow isn’t insane. We are only doing philosophy.’" p578.

The Greatest Biography and Summary of the Man and His Philosophy

Ray Monk, who lectures in philosophy at the University of Southampton, UK, has written several notable works. In the introduction to his 1990 book, he points out that while there are many excellent introductory books on Wittgenstein's work explaining his main philosophical themes and how he deals with them, they fail to explain the connection between his spiritual and ethical preoccupations and his seemingly remote philosophical questions. The aim of his book is to bridge this gap and show the unity of Wittgenstein's philosophical concerns with his emotional and spiritual life.

During WWI, while serving in the Austro-Hungarian Army, Wittgenstein was captivated by Tolstoy's The Gospel in Brief: The Life of Jesus, which became a talisman for him. He was known to his comrades as 'the man with the gospels'.

Regarding the English translation of the 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus', Monk notes that Wittgenstein not only had to define German words and phrases but also explain what he meant by them and find an English expression that captured the same meaning and tone. So, the English version is to some extent a reformulation of his ideas.
In 1927, Wittgenstein began meeting with the Logical Positivists of the "Vienna Circle". Sometimes, to the surprise of his audience, he would turn his back on them and read poetry. He also emphasized that what he had not said in the Tractatus was more important than what he had.
Monk observes that for Wittgenstein, the truth and value of religion have nothing to do with the words used. He asked if talking is essential to religion and said that if one is to live a religious life, it is not about talking a lot about religion but having a different manner of life. Later, he said that his belief in God was not in the form of subscribing to the truth of any particular doctrine but rather adopting a religious attitude to life.
Despite not being a Catholic and not believing or practicing Catholicism, Wittgenstein was given a Catholic burial. Monk suggests that in a way that is difficult to define but centrally important, he had lived a devoutly religious life.
Monk also comments on W.W. Bartley's assertions about Wittgenstein's sexual orientation and activity. Bartley provides no source for these claims, saying only that his information is based on 'confidential reports from his friends'. Monk adds that one would rather get the impression that Wittgenstein was incapable of promiscuity as he seemed troubled by even the slightest manifestation of sexual desire. He suggests that perhaps Wittgenstein did find 'rough, young, homosexual youths' fascinating, but the youths themselves may have known nothing about his fascination.
This biography by Monk is an absolutely fascinating read. His sound grasp of Wittgenstein's ideas makes it "essential reading" for anyone wanting to know more about Wittgenstein the man and his ideas.

Exhaustive & Exhausting--

Maybe that's the nature of biographies. You are presented with everything, or everything known about the person. This flatly goes against our narrative preference to read only what's interesting and skip what's not, a strategy fiction adopts to keep us engaged. We learn an abundance of details about Wittgenstein. Indeed, he does become more human, and you do feel like you have a better understanding of his philosophy. However, at the same time, there are numerous instances of his life that are simply not interesting at all. For example, his advice to his friends about their job situations during the war, or his political delusions and his trip to Soviet Russia in an unsuccessful attempt to find a menial job, or his peripatetic existence towards the end of his life and the details of where he was staying and so forth.

What was truly fascinating was anything that touched on his philosophy, especially for me, his later philosophy, which I'm planning on studying. Also captivating was his spiritual life that led him to rail against Scientism. It is this spiritual side of his personality in Culture and Value that initially attracted me to his philosophy. As Monk himself puts it: "For, in a way that is centrally important but difficult to define, he had lived a devoutly religious life" (580).

Apart from his spiritual and philosophical pursuits, we are given a portrait of an intense, stubborn man who was very difficult to get along with. His insecurity is palpable throughout. When he was young, he craved recognition as a genius and did everything in his power to obtain it. A sensitive and hopelessly awkward soul, he would take offense at the slightest thing and even break off long-standing friendships. A lonely man, he would demand hours of his friends' undivided attention to discuss his philosophical and personal problems. Or he would confess what he considered to be his "sins" to his friends in a cafe in a loud voice, making the listeners extremely uncomfortable. In short, he is someone you would likely try to avoid if you encountered him in real life.

And yet, I was left with the feeling that he lived his life in the only way he knew how: passionately. And that is something significant. Despite all his psychological burdens, despite his loneliness, internal struggles, and self-loathing (towards his own sexual desires and philosophical work), he lived, truly lived. And for that, I admire him and his work.

Now, onto Philosophical Investigations and On Certainty!