Book · 1999 · Philosophy
Existentialists and Mystics
Writings on Philosophy and Literature
Why people recommend it
Existentialists and Mystics by Iris Murdoch is a profound collection of essays exploring philosophy, literature, ethics, and the human condition. On How I Write, Maria Popova recommended the book, drawing attention to Murdoch's use of the concept of unselfing. Popova explained that Murdoch discusses how encounters with art and the natural world provide occasions for individuals to move away from ego-centrism and experience a liberating shift in perspective. Popova noted that anyone who appreciates reflections on light and consciousness would greatly value Murdoch's insights. The collection gathers Murdoch's critical thoughts on prominent thinkers and writers, bridging abstract philosophical inquiry with practical spiritual and artistic awareness. Through these essays, Murdoch examines the vital role that attention, imagination, and moral vision play in our daily lives. The book stands as a testament to her brilliant intellect and her enduring capacity to illuminate the deep connections between aesthetic appreciation, ethical responsibility, and the liberation of the human spirit from the confines of the self.
Who recommended it
- Maria Popova Recommended
Maria Popova — 2 mentions
“She used the word unselfing in a kind of almost as an aside in she has a book called Existentialists and Mystics that you would, I think, appreciate given what you just said about the the light. Uh and she talks about how art and nature, our encounters with art and with the natural world, are occasions for unselfing.”
“She used the word unselfing in a kind of almost as an aside in she has a book called Existentialists and Mystics that you would, I think, appreciate given what you just said about the the light. Uh and she talks about how art and nature, our encounters with art and with the natural world, are occasions for unselfing.”