Existentialists and Mystics: Writings on Philosophy and Literature

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Best known as the author of twenty-six novels, Iris Murdoch also made significant contributions to the fields of ethics and aesthetics. Collected here for the first time in one volume are her most influential literary and philosophical essays. Tracing Murdoch's journey to a modern Platonism, this volume includes incisive evaluations of the thought and writings of T. S. Eliot, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvior, and Elias Canetti, as well as key texts on the continuing importance of the sublime, on the concept of love, and the role great literature can play in curing the ills of philosophy. Existentialists and Mystics not only illuminates the mysticism and intellectual underpinnings of Murdoch's novels, but confirms her major contributions to twentieth-century thought.

546 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1997

About the author

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Dame Jean Iris Murdoch

Irish-born British writer, university lecturer and prolific and highly professional novelist, Iris Murdoch dealt with everyday ethical or moral issues, sometimes in the light of myths. As a writer, she was a perfectionist who did not allow editors to change her text. Murdoch produced 26 novels in 40 years, the last written while she was suffering from Alzheimer disease.

"She wanted, through her novels, to reach all possible readers, in different ways and by different means: by the excitement of her story, its pace and its comedy, through its ideas and its philosophical implications, through the numinous atmosphere of her own original and created world--the world she must have glimpsed as she considered and planned her first steps in the art of fiction." (John Bayley in Elegy for Iris, 1998)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_Mur...

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 31 votes)
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31 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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There is no doubt which art is of the utmost practical importance for our survival and our salvation, and that is literature.

Words are the very essence that constitutes the ultimate texture and stuff of our moral being. They are the most refined, delicate, and detailed, as well as the most universally used and understood, among all the symbolisms through which we express ourselves and come into existence.

We became spiritual animals the moment we became verbal animals. The fundamental distinctions that define our nature and values can only be made in words.

Words are not just mere sounds or written characters; they are spirit. They have the power to inspire, to move, to educate, and to transform. Through literature, we can explore the deepest recesses of the human soul, understand the complexity of our emotions, and gain insights into the mysteries of life.

Literature is a mirror that reflects the society we live in, and it also has the potential to shape and change that society. It is a source of wisdom, a repository of human experience, and a means of connecting with others across time and space.

In a world that is increasingly dominated by technology and instant communication, literature reminds us of the importance of language, of the power of words to touch our hearts and minds. It is a timeless art that will continue to be relevant and essential for our survival and our salvation.
July 15,2025
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The titleless essay is still worth the effort.

Although it may lack a specific title to initially draw in the reader, this does not mean that the content within is any less valuable.

In fact, a titleless essay can often offer a unique perspective or approach, as it forces the writer to focus solely on the ideas and arguments being presented.

Without the constraint of a pre-determined title, the writer has more freedom to explore different angles and develop a more in-depth analysis.

Moreover, for the reader, a titleless essay can be a refreshing change of pace. It challenges them to engage with the text on a deeper level and form their own understanding of the subject matter.

So, while a title may seem like an important part of an essay, don't be too quick to dismiss a titleless one. It may just surprise you with its depth and insight.

July 15,2025
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This collection encompasses all of Iris Murdoch's philosophical writings. It includes significant works such as "The Sovereignty of God" and "The Fire and the Sun".

Her moral vision is constructed upon the utilization of metaphors like "seeing", the contrast between "fantasy vs. reality", and original concepts such as "love".

It is an essential read for anyone desiring to become familiar with the philosophical backdrop of her fictional works. Moreover, this book is significantly more accessible than "Metaphysics as a Guide to Morals".

Murdoch's philosophical ideas offer profound insights into the human condition and moral philosophy. Her unique use of language and concepts makes her works both engaging and thought-provoking.

Whether you are a student of philosophy, a fan of her fictional works, or simply interested in exploring moral and ethical issues, this collection is sure to provide valuable reading material.
July 15,2025
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**Original Article**: This is a simple article. It has some basic information.

**Expanded Article**: This is a rather simple article.

It contains some basic and fundamental information.

The content presented here is straightforward and easy to understand.

It serves as a starting point for those who are interested in the topic.

Although it may not be overly detailed or complex, it still provides a useful introduction.

One can gain a初步 understanding of the subject matter from reading this article.

It could potentially spark further curiosity and encourage the reader to explore the topic in more depth.

Overall, it is a decent piece of writing that offers some value.

The rating of 3.5/5 indicates that it has its strengths while also having some room for improvement.

Perhaps with some additional details and more in-depth analysis, it could achieve an even higher rating.
July 15,2025
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Some of these essays were truly remarkable. They presented unique perspectives, were well-structured, and demonstrated a high level of writing proficiency. The ideas were developed clearly, and the use of language was engaging and effective.

However, not all of the essays were of the same caliber. Others were much less so. They may have lacked focus, had weak arguments, or suffered from poor grammar and spelling. Some may have been overly simplistic or failed to explore the topic in sufficient depth.

It is important to note that even the less successful essays can provide valuable learning opportunities. By analyzing their weaknesses, we can identify areas for improvement and work towards enhancing our own writing skills. Additionally, comparing the great essays with those that were less so can help us to better understand the qualities that make a truly outstanding piece of writing.

In conclusion, while some of these essays were great, others had room for improvement. By carefully examining both the strengths and weaknesses of each, we can gain valuable insights and continue to grow as writers.
July 15,2025
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I had this book on loan from the school library for over two years. However, I never managed to finish it.

Now, as I am about to leave the school, I realize that the bits I have read are truly great.

The story has captured my imagination and left me eager to know more.

Although I didn't complete it during my time at school, I have made a promise to myself.

One day, I will get my own copy of this book.

I will sit down in a quiet corner and devour every page, savoring the words and the adventures that await within.

Until then, I will hold onto the memories of the parts I have read and look forward to the day when I can fully experience this wonderful book.

July 15,2025
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This was, sadly, a DNF for me.

I have a penchant for cerebral writing, as it challenges my intellect and engages my mind on a deeper level. However, this particular piece was simply too dense for me to penetrate.

The author seemed to pack an overwhelming amount of complex ideas and concepts into each sentence, making it a struggle to keep up and fully understand the intended meaning.

I found myself repeatedly rereading paragraphs, hoping to gain some clarity, but to no avail.

Perhaps with more time and a more focused effort, I might have been able to unlock the mysteries of this text. But alas, in this instance, it proved to be beyond my current capabilities.

Nonetheless, I still appreciate the author's attempt to push the boundaries of language and thought, and I look forward to encountering other works that may offer a more accessible yet equally stimulating reading experience.
July 15,2025
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I loved it but of course I would.

Let you into a secret though. I can't remember much about the content at all except the neo-platonic drive for the Good.

This neo-platonic concept really stood out to me. It was like a guiding light in the midst of the otherwise foggy memory of the piece.

I think it was because the idea of striving for the Good is so fundamental and universal.

It made me reflect on my own life and the choices I make.

Do I always strive for the Good?

Or do I sometimes get distracted by other things?

These are questions that I continue to ask myself, even though I can't remember the rest of the content.

Perhaps that's the power of a single idea - it can have a lasting impact on our thoughts and actions.

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