Being and Time

by Martin Heidegger
Being and Time cover
Good Books rating 2.5
Philosophy
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Paperback • £18.21–£24.95
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  • ID: 5350
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781774649992
  • Publisher: Rare Treasure Editions
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

First published in German in 1927, 'Being and Time' is a groundbreaking philosophical inquiry by Martin Heidegger that seeks to uncover the meaning of being. The book is a central text in existential and phenomenological philosophy, influencing fields such as literature, art, and postmodern thought. Heidegger's work challenges traditional metaphysics and explores themes of existence, time, and human consciousness. The book is divided into two main parts, examining the everyday experiences of human beings and the structures of existence. Heidegger introduces concepts like 'Dasein' (being-in-the-world) and 'Being-towards-death,' which have become foundational in philosophical discourse. 'Being and Time' is not only a philosophical treatise but also a critique of Western philosophy's history, offering a new perspective on how humans understand their existence and the world around them.

Reviews
Scott H Young · Scott H Young · 2020-04-13
mixed 2.00

The book is only half-finished, and the second division is muddled. It's a challenging read that requires significant effort to understand.

Scott H Young highlights that Being and Time is a challenging read, noting that the book is only half-finished and the second division is particularly muddled. They emphasize that the book requires significant effort to understand, making it a difficult but potentially rewarding read for those interested in philosophy. The depth and complexity of Heidegger's ideas are noted, but the execution is seen as flawed, making it a mixed experience.

Quick quotes

    The reasons not to read Being and Time are obvious. The book is only half-finished.

    Of what was written, the second division is so muddled, that even Heidegger's followers have trouble making sense of it.

    It is a challenging read that requires significant effort to understand.

Techietonics · 2015-03-16
profound 4.50

Being and Time is an ocean of infinite gems that require re-reading to discern new motifs. It's a profound work that offers deep insights.

The reviewer describes Being and Time as an ocean of infinite gems, highlighting the depth and richness of Heidegger's ideas. They note that the book requires re-reading to fully appreciate its nuances and the new motifs that surface with each reading. The profound nature of the work is emphasized, making it a valuable and insightful read for those willing to invest the time and effort.

Quick quotes

    Being and Time by Martin Heidegger is an ocean of infinite gems.

    It is one of those books, which require re-reading only to discern new motifs surfacing up with every read.

    It is one of those books that are profound and insightful.

Reddit - Philosophy · u/c3e3q · 2008-01-01
critical 1.00

Heidegger's findings are trivial, and his writing is needlessly obfuscatory. The book can reasonably be ignored or dismissed.

The reviewer on Reddit criticizes Being and Time, describing Heidegger's findings as trivial and his writing as needlessly obfuscatory. They argue that the book can be reasonably ignored or dismissed, suggesting that the effort required to understand it is not justified by the content. This perspective highlights a significant divide in opinions about the book, with some finding it profound and others seeing it as overly complex and not worth the effort.

Quick quotes

    Heidegger's findings were trivial,

    his writing needlessly obfuscatory,

    and he can reasonably be ignored or dismissed.

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