Frederick Ezeala’s Reviews > The World as Will and Representation, Volume I > Status Update
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Mitya
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Jan 09, 2024 04:24AM
What are your thoughts so far? I'm thinking of reading some key selections but I'm not sure if the investment is worth it
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I hope this isn’t too wordy Mitya ! Definitely worth the read, you do see much of the seeds of modern philosophy (and even art aesthetics) planted here , and you see why Nietzsche liked him so much. He has an earlier work on his “principle of sufficient reason” which he begs you to read before this, as this just builds off that. (it’s kind of insane how much he references his own work , almost arrogantly so 🙃)
He’s very funny in how he handles the prevailing philosophical schools at his times , he’s a beautiful writer though with many bouts of repetition .
Also he expands on Kant in very helpful ways , and dismisses what he may have got wrong.
I would hate to say that this is just a western , systematized version of the Vedas , but you can tell he was incredibly inspired by it. Still , the way he deploys his system into the sciences , history ,etc - is invigorating and fresh.
I think reading at least the 2nd and 3rd book would give you the main gist of his stance. The 3rd being my favorite- I think it’s one of the best works written about art , the nature of genius and pure perception.
I do think if you have an advanced overview on Eastern philosophy , you could skip him . But it’s wonderful to see both spheres of the world spirt take shape in this writer.
I think he has made me a better thinker , and has clarified some of ways in which I can trust the life right in front of my eyes. His guiding words have been “we only gain in the abstract what we knew intuitively in the concrete.” I think this is a quite humble approach to philosophy and I admire him for it.

