Critique of Religion and Philosophy [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

However, for those who have read this book, and certainly for those who have also read some of his other books, Dr. Kaufmann's vast knowledge and subtle mind become obvious. This learnedness and intellectual prowess make his honesty that much more impressive (because he could easily have constructed intellectualized defenses of his favorite positions, as many others do). His brilliance also make his searching honesty that much more useful to the rest of us--for he has seen much, and in being honest about what he has seen, he has much to teach.

In addition to the honesty and brilliance of Kaufmann's writing, the writing is, at times, beautiful to the point of being poetic.

And, relatively speaking (for a book on philosophy) it is wonderfully accessible (clearly written).

If you have strong beliefs in any religion or world view, be prepared for a challenging, perhaps painful, read. But this pain is good pain--the pain of growing, the pain of life.

This book is kind of like "philosophy-lite". Don't read this book for the "philosophy" (whatever that sinister word means) in it, but for Kaufman's quirky opinions about the "great[ly confused] men" who made philosophy what it is (or isn't) today. For those of you who haven't figured it out yet, Kaufman has this sort of love/hate relationship with theologians. He loves Nietzsche (K. helped translate his Will to Power) (not a Nazi, contrary to popular opinion); he hates Heidegger (a Nazi thug, again contrary to popular opinion) (and just look at the way he slighted his poor friend/mentor Husserl, who coincidentally is never mentioned in the book). He loves Hegel and Wittgenstein (great German thinkers); he hates that low life apologetic Protestant Tillich. He thinks nothing but bad thoughts about Kierkegaard; but he considers Socrates to be the archetypal philosopher. He admires the Jewish rabbinical tradition; he despises that damnable St. Thomas Aquinas (whose views caused the bloody Catholic Inquisition). He looks up to "big daddy" Freud; he loathes that mystico-religious pseudointellectual Jung (and that disoriented nonsensical babbler Fromm for that matter too). He's a closet Satanist and he worships at the feet of that demoniac succubus, the goddess Reason; while he spurns the angelic lady Faith. [I should add that I don't consider these remarks as not in keeping with the spirit of K., afterall as he wonders all too often, Why can't those silly philosophers burst out in laughter.]

Seriously though, here's the basic gist of his argument (or whatever it is this book is presenting): religion is submission to authority, and faith is wishful thinking. That said, I must admit that I enjoyed his Buddhist story about the "things that are dear to one", near the end of the book; but I didn't so much like his analysis of it. Furthermore, I should add that its all supposed to be "very deep".

The author of this review takes no responsibility for the psychological harm this book may inflict upon the reader. (Just because I give it five stars doesn't mean I recommend it! It just means that its two stars above Oprah's book of the month.)

There is a lot of interesting material on existentialism.

The book is cleary written and is characterized by Kaufmann's bubbling wit which reminds one of Russell at his best.