The Back Stairway to Philosophy

Author: (German) Wilhelm Wei?er, translated by Li Wenchao
Translator: Li Wenchao
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-05-12
Features: This book opens a window to the heart, revealing a hidden "back staircase to philosophy," leading directly to the lives and thoughts of great philosophers. It tells you that philosophy is about seeking a meaningful way of life. Through contemplation, philosophy endows life and the world with meaning, making life vibrant and colorful. The author writes passionately in this book: "People can walk across a well-maintained carpet, along a glistening railing, and approach the philosopher with dignity. Similarly, philosophy has a back staircase—when visiting thinkers, you can come as you are, do as you please. If they don’t prefer to greet distinguished guests at the main staircase, you may be fortunate enough to see the philosopher in their everyday self. Climbing the back staircase requires no grandeur or pretense; the thinker before you may be their true selves, with their unique personalities, and you can witness their extraordinary and moving efforts beyond ordinary human limits." This book consists of over thirty chapters, each dedicated to one philosopher, covering most of the important figures in the history of philosophy, from Thales, the philosopher-merchant of Miletus five thousand years ago, to Wittgenstein, the modern philosopher who declared the decline of philosophy. Following the back staircase, readers can take a peripatetic tour of the lives and thoughts of Western philosophers in an marginalized yet intimate way. Perhaps it’s a slightly detour, but readers will gain a more authentic and close understanding of the core of great philosophers’ thoughts.