Head-butting the wall: Chestov's Collection of Ungrounded Life

Author: Shchestov
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: Shchestov, as a solitary pilgrim, traveled through various realms of Russian thought, leaving traces of deep reflection in all his works. He tirelessly exposed the absurdity and weakness of reason. He was concerned with only one thing: revealing the groundlessness of human life and seeking a rational path to address it. Shchestov was a renowned Russian thinker of the 20th century, whose academic works were focused on fiercely critiquing traditional metaphysics and pursuing the all-powerful God in the Bible. After the October Revolution, Shchestov emigrated to Paris and died there in 1938. Shchestov believed that human existence is an abyss without foundation. People either turn to reason and its metaphysics or heed the call of God who wipes away every tear. In God's eyes, human suffering and tears are heavier than anything else, and love is the law of life. Yet, it is precisely this truth about living people that is considered absurd and impossible by others. Shchestov firmly claimed that it is precisely because this truth is absurd that it is credible, and because it is impossible that it is certain. However, rational people still sneer at this assertion. Therefore, Shchestov realized that the struggle to turn the impossible into the possible is a mad fight—a fight at the cost of tears, groans, and curses. According to the Bible, this mad fight for possibility is faith. The truth of this faith is absurd to the laws of this world. Yet, this absurdity is credible. This book is translated by renowned Russian thought experts from Peking University and other institutions, showcasing the brilliant arguments of this modern existentialist giant as he clashes his head against the wall of reason and advocates the life-affirming philosophy of "Because it is absurd, therefore it is credible." Every sentence reads as an extreme shock and to our minds and wills.