Heidegger: A Master of Germany Between Good and Evil

Rüdiger Safranski's biography of Martin Heidegger is a masterful work of scholarship and storytelling. Safranski paints a vivid portrait of Heidegger as a complex and contradictory figure, a brilliant philosopher who was also a Nazi sympathizer.

Heidegger's Early Life

Martin Heidegger was born in 1889 in Messkirch, Germany. He was the son of a cooper and a devout Catholic mother. Heidegger showed early promise as a student, and he went on to study philosophy at the University of Freiburg.

In Freiburg, Heidegger came under the influence of Edmund Husserl, the founder of phenomenology. Husserl's philosophy had a profound impact on Heidegger, and it led him to develop his own unique approach to philosophy.

Heidegger's Philosophy

Heidegger's philosophy is complex and difficult to summarize. However, some of the key themes of his work include:

• Being: Heidegger argued that the most fundamental question of philosophy is "What is being?" He believed that being is not a thing, but rather an event.
• Dasein: Heidegger used the term "Dasein" to refer to human existence. He argued that Dasein is characterized by its "being-in-the-world."
• Temporality: Heidegger believed that time is not a linear progression, but rather a complex web of relationships. He argued that the past, present, and future are all present in the moment.

Heidegger's Nazism

Heidegger's involvement with Nazism is a complex and controversial issue. Some scholars argue that Heidegger was a committed Nazi, while others argue that he was simply a fellow traveler.

There is no doubt that Heidegger was sympathetic to Nazism. He joined the Nazi Party in 1933, and he gave a number of speeches in support of the regime. However, it is also clear that Heidegger was not a typical Nazi. He was critical of some of the regime's policies, and he eventually came to distance himself from Nazism.

Heidegger's Legacy

Heidegger's philosophy has had a profound impact on Western thought. His work has been praised by philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Jacques Derrida, and Emmanuel Levinas. However, Heidegger's work has also been criticized for its obscurity and its lack of political engagement.

Despite the controversy surrounding his work, there is no doubt that Heidegger is one of the most important philosophers of the twentieth century. His work has challenged our traditional understanding of being, time, and human existence. Heidegger's philosophy is a complex and demanding, but it is also a rewarding one. It is a philosophy that can change the way we think about the world.

Why You Should Read This Book

Rüdiger Safranski's biography of Martin Heidegger is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, history, or the human condition. Safranski's book is a masterful work of scholarship and storytelling. It is a book that will challenge you, inspire you, and change the way you think about the world.

If you are interested in learning more about Martin Heidegger, I highly recommend reading Rüdiger Safranski's biography. It is a book that you will not soon forget.