Irrational man
a study in existential philosophy.
by William Barrett · first published 1958
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5HN commenters
2010–2026first – last mentioned
100% recommend
Why HN recommends it
Readable overview of existentialism and of Western philosophy from the Greeks onward, framing existentialism as a response to the loss of universal religious faith; suited to readers new to the subject.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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William Barrett, in his classic book on existentialism, Irrational Man, says that existentialism is the attempt to respond to the loss of universal religious faith in the modern era.
on “Philosophy, the Sartre blend: uncovering the birth of existentialism” ↗Anything by Douglas Rushkoff. I particularly enjoyed Survival of the Richest: Escape Fantasies of the Tech Billionaires. Another good one is Irrational Man by William Barrett. The only truly comprehensive look at existentialism I've read.
on “Ask HN: Best books read in 2022” ↗If you wanted the core of all of this... Check this book "Irrational Man" by William Barrett.
on “Maybe There's a Pattern Here?” ↗…it with something more optimistic or at least humorous. If I'm going to face the absurdity of existence as a mortal human being, I at least need a laugh or two on the way. I remember William Barret's "Irrational Man" being a pretty good overview of existentialist thought.
on “Ask HN: Do you believe in God?” ↗Irrational Man is a good introduction to existentialism and he has a very readable overview of philosophy from the Greeks until now. This is will largely be ignored on this tread, but The Bible is a source of philosophical…
on “Ask HN: Best Philosophical Books?” ↗