Sich selbst neu erfinden, geht das?

This classic Austrian children's book tells the timeless story of a small, multicolored animal that sets out to find its own identity. After encountering various animals and being rejected because it does not fit into any specific category, the little creature realizes that it is unique and special just the way it is. The story, written in rhyme by Mira Lobe and illustrated by Susi Weigel, addresses important themes such as self-worth and self-confidence in a heartwarming and humorous manner.

In 'Homo Ludens,' Johan Huizinga argues that play is a fundamental element of human culture, essential for the generation of culture. He traces the contribution of play from ancient times through the Renaissance and into modern society, highlighting its role in law, science, philosophy, and the arts. Huizinga defines play against a rich theoretical background, using cross-cultural examples to illustrate its universal significance and its civilizing functions.

Published in 1927, 'Sein und Zeit' (Being and Time) is Martin Heidegger's magnum opus and a cornerstone of existential philosophy. The book delves into the fundamental question of the meaning of Being, particularly through the analysis of Dasein (being-in-the-world). Heidegger rejects traditional Western ontology's static view of human existence and instead emphasizes the dynamic and temporal nature of being. The work is divided into two main parts: the 'Preparatory Fundamental Analysis of Dasein' and 'Dasein and Temporality'. It introduces key concepts such as 'authenticity', 'care', and the significance of death in understanding human existence. Despite its complexity and the planned but never completed second volume, 'Being and Time' has had a profound impact on philosophy, literary theory, and various other fields.

In 'Das Sein und das Nichts' entwickelt Sartre eine phänomenologische Ontologie, die das Verhältnis von Bewusstsein („Für-sich“) und materieller Welt („An-sich“) analysiert. Er untersucht zentrale Themen wie die Konstitution von Negativität, die Rolle des „Blicks“ in zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen sowie existenzielle Phänomene wie Scham, Verlangen und den Tod. Das Werk betont die radikale Freiheit des Menschen und die Notwendigkeit, sich dieser Verantwortung zu stellen, ohne in „schlechtem Glauben“ (mauvaise foi) zu flüchten.

In this book, Plessner develops a philosophical biology and anthropology, conceptualizing human living in relation to plant and animal life. He introduces the concept of the 'eccentric position' of humans, highlighting that humans both have and are a body, and are naturally-artificial beings within living nature. The work challenges traditional mind-body dualism and provides a hermeneutics of nature, emphasizing the expressive and sentient aspects of life.