PHILOSOPHY - Heidegger

Summary

Martin Heidegger, a complex German philosopher, offers profound insights into the human condition through his dense prose in 'Being and Time'. Heidegger diagnoses modern society's forgetfulness of the mystery of existence, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the importance of living authentically. He advocates for a deeper awareness of our mortality to break free from societal pressures and embrace our individuality. Despite his challenging language, Heidegger's message is a call to reconnect with the essence of our being and live more genuinely.

Takeaways

• 😀 Martin Heidegger is considered one of the most incomprehensible German philosophers, especially known for his work *Being and Time*.
• 🧐 His philosophy revolves around understanding the deeper meaning of existence, using complex German words like 'Seinsvergessenheit' and 'Geworfenheit'.
• 🌳 Heidegger lived a simple, rural life, enjoying nature and avoiding modern technology and conveniences.
• 🤔 He diagnosed modern humanity with spiritual diseases, primarily that we have forgotten the sheer mystery of existence or 'Being' (das Sein).
• 🌍 Heidegger emphasized that all Being is interconnected, but modern life often leads us to treat others and nature as mere objects or means.
• 👣 Walking in nature helps people reconnect with this unity of Being and fosters a sense of generosity and humility.
• 💪 Heidegger believed that people are 'thrown into the world' (Geworfenheit), into a specific society and culture, but we must rise above this to live authentically.
• 🗣️ Most people live inauthentically, according to Heidegger, following social norms and 'The Chatter' (das Gerede) of society rather than living true to themselves.
• 💀 Confronting our own mortality can help us break away from societal expectations and live more authentically, realizing that others cannot save us from 'das Nichts' (The Nothing).
• 🪦 Heidegger recommended spending time in graveyards as a way to reflect on death and embrace life’s true meaning.

Q & A

Who is Martin Heidegger and why is he considered incomprehensible?

Martin Heidegger is a German philosopher known for his dense and complex prose, particularly in his work 'Being and Time.' His use of intricate, compound German words and philosophical jargon contributes to his reputation as an incomprehensible thinker.

What are some of the unique German words used by Heidegger in his work?

Heidegger uses complex German words such as 'Seinsvergessenheit', 'Bodenständigkeit', and 'Wesensverfassung', which reflect deep philosophical concepts about existence, rootedness, and the constitution of being.

What simple truths does Heidegger convey despite his complex language?

Heidegger discusses the meaning of life, the problems of modern society, and paths to freedom, suggesting that we often forget the mystery of existence, our interconnectedness, and our freedom to live authentically.

How did Heidegger's personal life and preferences reflect his philosophical views?

Heidegger was a rural provincial German who enjoyed simple pleasures like mushroom picking and early bedtimes. He disliked modern conveniences like television and processed food, reflecting his critique of modern civilization and its impact on the soul.

What does Heidegger mean by 'das Sein' and 'das Nichts'?

'Das Sein' refers to 'Being', the mystery of existence, while 'das Nichts', or 'The Nothing', is the concept of the absence of being, which Heidegger suggests we often avoid confronting.

What is the 'Unity of Being' according to Heidegger?

The 'Unity of Being' is the idea that all beings, including humans, animals, and nature, are fundamentally connected and share the commonality of existence.

What does Heidegger suggest as a remedy for our forgetfulness of being alive?

Heidegger suggests that moments of reflection, such as walks in nature, can help us reconnect with the mystery of existence and foster a deeper appreciation for our lives.

What is 'Thrownness' and how does Heidegger propose we overcome it?

'Thrownness' ('Geworfenheit') refers to being thrust into a particular social and cultural context not of our choosing. Heidegger suggests understanding and transcending this to achieve 'Eigentlichkeit', or authenticity.

What is the 'they-self' and how does it contrast with 'our-selves'?

The 'they-self' is a socialized, superficial mode of being where we conform to societal expectations. In contrast, 'our-selves' represents an authentic, individual mode of existence that Heidegger encourages us to strive for.

How does Heidegger view the role of death in leading a meaningful life?

Heidegger believes that contemplating our mortality can help us break free from the 'they-self' and the chatter of society, leading to a more authentic and self-directed life.

What advice did Heidegger give in 1961 about how to better lead our lives?

In a 1961 lecture, Heidegger suggested that spending more time in graveyards could help us confront our mortality and lead more authentic lives.