Sarah Bakewell: At The Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being and Apricot Cocktails

This book is a unique biography that tells the story of Michel de Montaigne's life through the questions he asked himself and the various answers he explored in his essays. Montaigne, a Renaissance nobleman and philosopher, wrote essays that were free-roaming explorations of his thoughts and experiences. Bakewell's work delves into Montaigne's upbringing, his career, his friendships, and his reflections on life, death, and human nature. The book provides twenty different answers to the overarching question 'How to live? ' drawn from Montaigne's texts, offering practical and philosophical advice on living a good life.

This book by Sarah Bakewell delves into the history and philosophy of existentialism, starting with a pivotal moment in 1933 when Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Raymond Aron discussed phenomenology over apricot cocktails. It explores how this encounter inspired Sartre to integrate phenomenology into his philosophy, leading to the development of existentialism. The book follows the lives and philosophies of key existentialists, including Heidegger, Husserl, Camus, and Merleau-Ponty, and discusses themes such as freedom, authenticity, absurdity, and the search for meaning. It also examines the role of existentialism in post-war liberation movements like anti-colonialism, feminism, and gay rights. Bakewell interweaves biography and philosophy to make complex ideas accessible and engaging for general readers.

Simone de Beauvoir's "The Ethics of Ambiguity" is a philosophical work that explores the human condition in a world without inherent meaning. Beauvoir argues that freedom and responsibility are fundamental aspects of human existence. She challenges traditional ethical systems and proposes a new approach based on individual engagement with the world. The book emphasizes the importance of authenticity and commitment in the face of uncertainty. It's a significant contribution to existentialist thought and continues to inspire readers and thinkers today.

In 'The Myth of Sisyphus', Albert Camus delves into the concept of the absurd, which arises from the conflict between humanity's desire for meaning and the apparent indifference of the universe. Camus argues that this absurdity does not justify suicide but rather requires a revolt against it. He introduces Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to eternally push a boulder up a mountain only for it to roll back down, as the ideal absurd hero. Camus suggests that Sisyphus's acceptance of his fate and his continued effort to push the boulder up the mountain, despite its futility, exemplify the human condition and the possibility of finding happiness in the face of absurdity. The essay also discusses other examples of absurd lives and includes an appendix on the works of Franz Kafka.

In 'The Second Sex', Simone de Beauvoir delves into the concept of feminism by examining historical facts, biological differences, psychoanalytic theories, and societal myths that have led to the subjugation of women. The book is divided into two volumes: 'Facts and Myths' and 'Lived Experience'. Beauvoir argues that women are not inherently inferior but are made so by societal constructs and historical injustices. She critiques the notion that women are defined as 'The Other' in relation to men, emphasizing that this distinction denies women their humanity and autonomy. The book explores various stages of a woman's life, from childhood to old age, highlighting how societal forces condition women into accepting passive and dependent roles. Beauvoir advocates for women's equality and autonomy, particularly through economic independence and the ability to support themselves through work.

Published in 1942, 'The Stranger' tells the story of Meursault, a Frenchman living in Algiers, who is characterized by his emotional detachment and apathy. The novel begins with Meursault's indifferent reaction to his mother's death and follows his journey through a series of events, including a senseless murder, which leads to his trial and sentencing. Camus uses Meursault's story to illustrate his philosophy of the absurd, highlighting the lack of inherent meaning in life and the importance of accepting and living with this reality. The novel also explores the tensions between French colonialists and native Algerians, reflecting Camus's own experiences and critiques of colonialism.

Published in 1938, 'Nausea' is Jean-Paul Sartre's first novel and a seminal work in existentialist literature. The story follows Antoine Roquentin, a solitary historian living in the fictional town of Bouville, as he experiences intense feelings of nausea and existential crisis. Through Roquentin's diary entries, Sartre delves into themes such as the contingency of existence, the distinction between 'being-in-itself' and 'being-for-itself,' and the idea that 'existence precedes essence. ' Roquentin's struggles with his research on the Marquis de Rollebon and his interactions with people around him highlight the absurdity and randomness of the world, leading him to confront the bare existence of things and the meaninglessness of human existence. The novel is a profound exploration of existential angst, freedom, and responsibility.

In 'The Fall', Albert Camus explores themes of guilt, judgment, and the human condition through the narrative of Jean-Baptiste Clamence. Clamence, a self-proclaimed 'judge-penitent', recounts his life as a successful but hypocritical lawyer in Paris. His story is marked by a pivotal event where he failed to act when a woman jumped to her death from a bridge, leading to a deep sense of guilt and existential despair. Through his monologues, Clamence delves into the complexities of human nature, the inevitability of judgment, and the universal guilt that underlies human existence. The novel is set against the backdrop of Amsterdam and reflects on the broader implications of World War II and the Holocaust, inviting readers to confront their own moral failings and the inherent hypocrisy in human behavior.