I didn't always have the background to fully appreciate her points.

My knowledge and understanding in certain areas were perhaps limited, preventing me from seeing the full depth and significance of what she was trying to convey.

However, despite this lack of complete comprehension, I always felt enlivened by the arguments.

There was something about the way she presented her ideas, the passion and conviction in her voice, that would stir something within me.

It was as if her words had the power to wake up my mind and make me more engaged and interested in the topic at hand.

Even if I didn't fully grasp every aspect of her points, the energy and enthusiasm she brought to the discussion were contagious, and I found myself eager to learn more and explore the ideas further.

Her arguments served as a catalyst for my own thinking, pushing me to expand my perspective and consider new possibilities.

In this way, although I may not have initially had the background to fully appreciate her points, the experience of listening to her and being part of the argument was still incredibly valuable and enriching for me.

I picked this up in New Mexico while waiting to meet a friend in a bookstore.

It's been an interesting find so far. There are definitely moments in it that catch my attention and make me want to keep reading. However, I'm also having to skip through certain parts.

Maybe it's because the writing style isn't completely to my taste, or perhaps some of the topics are not as engaging for me. But still, there's something about this that keeps me coming back for more.

I'm curious to see where it will lead and if it will eventually win me over completely. For now, I'll continue to dip in and out, hoping to discover more of those interesting moments that make it worth my time.

Pure philosophical genius !!!

Philosophical genius is a rare and remarkable quality. It is the ability to think deeply, analyze complex ideas, and offer profound insights into the nature of reality, human existence, and the meaning of life. A pure philosophical genius is one who is not swayed by personal biases or prejudices, but rather approaches philosophical questions with an open mind and a thirst for truth.

Such a genius is able to see beyond the surface of things and uncover the underlying principles and concepts that govern our world. They are able to formulate original and thought-provoking theories that challenge our existing beliefs and assumptions. Their ideas have the power to inspire and influence generations of thinkers and scholars.

In conclusion, a pure philosophical genius is a true asset to humanity. Their work enriches our understanding of the world and helps us to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives. We should strive to cultivate and nurture such genius in our society, and give them the recognition and support they deserve.

Murdoch's Insights on Art, Consciousness, and Morality

Murdoch emphasizes the importance of the unconscious mind in art. She believes that an artist must be at least half in love with it as it provides the motive force and does a great deal of the work. Her own works, such as "Sketch of a Just Man" and others, were influenced by her unconscious. She argues that literature is a disciplined technique for arousing emotions and that art is close to playing with unconscious forces. It is mimesis and good art is anamnesis, a memory of what we did not know we knew. She also discusses the relationship between art and philosophy, stating that art goes deeper than philosophy. Formalists, she believes, want to cure us of the realistic fallacy of imagining we look through language into a separate world beyond. She thinks words should be seen as a medium through which one relates to the world.

Regarding truth in art, Murdoch says that literature is often criticized for being untruthful. She defines truth in art from what falsifies it. She later writes that the good artist is a vehicle of truth as he formulates ideas and focuses attention on facts. The paradox of art is that the work itself may have to invent the methods by which we verify it. She also comments on modern writing, which is more ironical and less confident than that of the nineteenth century. In a novel, the conflict between the representational and formal may appear as that between characters and plot. A bad writer gives way to personal obsession without concern for truth or justice.

Murdoch also touches on morality, stating that it is pictured without a transcendent background. She believes that a man's moral life is not only his choices but also his vision. She defines Sartre's idea of consciousness as being for itself and nothing, yet the source of all meaning. She criticizes Sartre for not accepting that emotion consciousness has an unconscious meaning. She also discusses Hampshire's argument that will is dependent on desires, beliefs, and thinking. She believes that the unconscious will comes first and puts on desire, love, or emotion to make one focus and do what it wants. She gives an example of her experience with Lawrence to illustrate the power of the unconscious will. Finally, she defines love as the imaginative recognition and respect for the otherness of an individual and emphasizes that goodness is a function of the will and is connected to knowledge.

A great set of essays from a brilliant philosopher & novelist has been presented.

As one delves into these essays, a fascinating glimpse of a truly versatile thinker and writer is revealed.

The philosopher's profound insights and the novelist's vivid imagination blend seamlessly, creating a collection that is both intellectually stimulating and engaging.

The essays cover a wide range of topics, from the nature of human existence to the intricacies of art and literature.

Each piece is written with clarity and precision, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Whether you are a lover of philosophy, literature, or simply a curious mind, this set of essays is well worth reading.

It offers a unique perspective on the world and challenges the reader to think deeply about the issues that matter.

Overall, it is a remarkable work that showcases the talents of a truly outstanding individual.

She is a person of great erudition, yet her work is very accessible and lucid.

Surprisingly, I found that I actually enjoyed this particular piece more than her novels. With her novels, sometimes I feel that I am reading more for the beautiful scenery she描绘s rather than the story itself.

This work is extremely useful, even if you know as little about philosophy as I do. It presents complex philosophical ideas in a way that is easy to understand and digest. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of thought and has made me more interested in exploring the field of philosophy further.

I would highly recommend this work to anyone who is interested in philosophy or simply wants to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world. It is a great read that will leave you with a lot to think about.

The best essay in this book for me is by far Iris Murdoch's "The Sublime and the Beautiful Revisited".

In fact, I think this has influenced not only my views on novels but also on general ethics and how people should treat one another entirely.

I recently read this again and was no less moved than the first time I read it over ten years ago.

This essay has a profound impact on my understanding of the world and human nature. It makes me think about the meaning and value of life, and how we can better interact with others.

The ideas and arguments presented in the essay are both thought-provoking and inspiring. It challenges me to reevaluate my own beliefs and behaviors, and to strive for a higher level of moral and ethical conduct.

I believe that "The Sublime and the Beautiful Revisited" is a must-read for anyone who is interested in literature, ethics, or human nature. It is a timeless piece of writing that will continue to inspire and influence readers for generations to come.

A collection of philosophical essays by one of the greatest British philosophers and novelists of the twentieth century awaits you. This remarkable work invites you to embark on a profound journey of exploration. Delve into this book and discover the sheer delights of Murdoch's prose. Her writing is a masterclass in elegance and precision, captivating the reader from the very first page.

As you turn the pages, you will gain valuable insights into a wide range of philosophical concepts. Murdoch's exploration of Plato offers a fresh perspective on the ancient philosopher's ideas, while her examination of existentialism delves deep into the human condition. With her keen intellect and incisive analysis, Murdoch challenges you to think deeply about the nature of reality, morality, and the meaning of life.

This collection of essays is not only a testament to Murdoch's philosophical prowess but also a source of inspiration and enlightenment. Whether you are a seasoned philosopher or simply someone with a curious mind, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, pick up this book and prepare to be transported to a world of profound thought and intellectual stimulation.

Yet another book that I did not finish because it did not deliver what the title promised.

The main focus of this book appears to be literature. Philosophy seems to be the secondary purpose, and indeed it's almost more about what literature can teach us about philosophy.

The problem is that the title puts Philosophy first and I expected a more philosophy-centric approach, which I did not get. In fact, the section titles were also misleading. For example, "Towards a Practical Mysticism" did not seem to fulfill its promise. It failed to provide a clear and in-depth exploration of practical mysticism as one might have expected from the title.

Overall, this book was a disappointment for me. The misalignment between the title and the actual content made it difficult for me to engage with the material and led to my decision not to finish it.

Perhaps if the book had been more honest about its true focus and had not made false promises with its title and section headings, I might have had a more positive experience.

Man is a remarkable creature. He has the unique ability to create a mental picture of himself, an image that represents his ideals, aspirations, and self-perception. And then, through a series of actions, behaviors, and choices, he gradually comes to resemble that very picture he has painted in his mind. This process is both fascinating and powerful. It shows how our thoughts and beliefs can shape our reality and determine who we become.

Really glad I don't have to be seen reading this on the bus for another month. Maybe it's because I feel a bit self-conscious about what others might think. Or perhaps it's just that I'm ready to move on to something new and different. Whatever the reason, it's a relief to know that I won't have to endure the potential scrutiny or judgment of my fellow passengers for a while.

Open to any page and try to resist not being awed by her style and grace, both in the form and content of her arguments.

This is truly a masterclass in how to write philosophy. Whether you agree or disagree with her viewpoints, it is an absolute pleasure to the eyes.

I have often struggled with her fiction, finding it at times a bit challenging to fully engage with. However, this work is an eye-opener. It transcends time and remains relevant and captivating regardless of the era in which it is read.

Her writing is so elegant and profound that it draws the reader in and makes them思考 deeply about the ideas presented. It is a testament to her skill as a philosopher and writer that she can convey such complex thoughts in a way that is both accessible and engaging.

Overall, this is a work that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in philosophy or simply in beautiful writing. It is a must-read that will leave a lasting impression.

Reading this requires patience and attention, and perhaps that's the whole essence. It's truly worthwhile, and don't anticipate being overly entertained. For me, it was like a workout for the brain.

Telling a story and presenting a logical proof share the same intention: 'I'm going to make it impossible for you not to believe me. And I'll do it in a way that can overcome the common barriers such as language, geography, and time.' You get the impression that Murdoch was conscious that her reader would be looking for logical flaws and unnecessary ambiguity, just as a scientist would. She goes a step further and encourages us to apply this in our personal interactions.

In art, writing, or philosophy, we agree to be deceived. We humor stories in the hope that short-term relative deception will lead to long-term transcendent truth. However, in this book, Murdoch chooses not to use this approach. She is observational and adheres to logical patterns.

Takeaways:

It's impractical to overlook life's mystery, and Murdoch urges us to rein in our egos. She states, "But did I really decide? To examine that question I examine the context of my announcement rather than its private core (13)." Habitually remembering that our opinions are likely the result of our own personal histories (which is basically humility, checking ourselves before we make a mess) is equivalent to living righteously.

Murdoch's approach to relationships is far less romantic and more of a scientific consequence of our situation on earth. For example, on a daily basis, we all hope that nothing terrible will occur, but evidence is everywhere that it's happening constantly. It's a precarious position. We are wired to think that we are the center of the universe and permanent ('they'll die, but not me'). Obviously, this isn't true, and we know it. Murdoch seems to want us to always remember this, which makes sense because we should all strive to quickly and habitually 'elevate ourselves.' Any rational person would desire to do so, and the necessity is profoundly fundamental.

So, in a difficult situation, should we resist or be compassionate? When you think it through, I believe it's the same. If you understand someone in a way that allows them to do evil things, you're not truly understanding them. When we truly consider that anything could happen to any loved one at any time, that our ability to love is so limited and therefore we are incredibly vulnerable, along with the idea that our egos and sense of being separate is actually delusional, attentive patience will be the outcome of any thorough examination of our condition here.