Difference and Repetition

by Gilles Deleuze
Difference and Repetition cover
Good Books rating 3.77
Philosophy
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  • ID: 5419
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780485113600
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 1994-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Difference and Repetition is a seminal work by Gilles Deleuze that delves into the philosophical concepts of pure difference and complex repetition, offering a profound critique of Western metaphysics. The book is pivotal in shifting French thought from Hegel and Marx toward Nietzsche and Freud, making it essential reading for literary critics and philosophers alike. /n/n Deleuze's intricate analysis and innovative approach make this work a cornerstone of contemporary philosophy, inviting readers to reconsider foundational ideas in a new light.

Reviews
Reddit - r/Deleuze · Reddit User · 2018-12-05
complex 3.50

The book is notoriously difficult, but the reviewer found Jon Roffe's seminar on the work to be very helpful and lucid. They appreciate the depth of the material and the clarity of the seminar.

The reviewer acknowledges that the book is notoriously difficult, but they found Jon Roffe's seminar on the work to be very helpful and lucid. They appreciate the depth of the material and the clarity of the seminar, which provided them with a better understanding of Deleuze's philosophical lineage. The reviewer also mentions that the book is best approached with the help of supplementary materials, such as seminars and guides.

Quick quotes

    I found Jon Roffe's seminar on D&R very helpful and lucid.

    One of my 'a-ha' moments came from understanding Deleuze’s Philosophical Lineage.

    It is arguably the most difficult of Deleuze's writings.

bdavidhagen.com · David Hagen · 2013-06-22
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is dense and requires careful reading, but it offers profound insights into ontology and conceptualization. The reviewer finds Deleuze's arguments compelling and thought-provoking.

The reviewer notes that the book is dense and requires careful reading, but it offers profound insights into ontology and conceptualization. They appreciate Deleuze's arguments, finding them compelling and thought-provoking. The reviewer also highlights the importance of the book as a reference for anyone working in these areas. They suggest that the book is best approached with an open mind and a willingness to engage with complex ideas.

Quick quotes

    Deleuze ends his first paragraph with a helpful, slightly altered restatement of his opening sentence: 'Repetition and resemblance are different.'

    This book is from Deleuze's doctoral dissertation.

    It makes a great reference book for anyone who needs to work and think about ontology and conceptualization.

Goodreads · 2000-01-01
intriguing 3.80

This book is a brilliant exposition of the critique of identity, exploring the relationship between difference and repetition. It is considered one of Deleuze's most challenging works.

This book is a brilliant exposition of the critique of identity, exploring the relationship between difference and repetition. It is considered one of Deleuze's most challenging works. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the ideas presented, noting that it is a significant contribution to philosophical thought. They also mention that the book is notoriously difficult, which may require multiple readings to fully grasp.

Quick quotes

    A brilliant exposition of the critique of identity.

    It is arguably the most difficult of Deleuze's writings.

    Difference implying divergence and decentring, repetition being associated with displacement and disguising.

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