Ludwig Klages and the Philosophy of Life

This book provides a unique overview of and introduction to the work of the German psychologist and philosopher Ludwig Klages (1872-1956), an astonishing figure in the history of German ideas. Central to intellectual life in turn-of-the-century Munich, he went on to establish a reputation for himself as an original and provocative thinker. Nowadays he is often overlooked, partly because of the absence of an accessible and authoritative introduction to his thought; this volume offers just such a point of entry. With an emphasis on applicability and utility, Paul Bishop reinvigorates the discourse surrounding Klages, providing a neutral and compact account of his intellectual development and his impact on psychology and philosophy. Part 1 offers an overview of Klagess life, visiting the major stations of his intellectual development. Part 2 examines in turn nine major conceptual tools found in Klagess extensive writings, aiming to clarify Klagess terminology, to demystify his discourse, and to sift through Klagess credentials as a psychological thinker. Part 3 consists of extracts from Klagess writings, thematically oriented; these showcase the aphoristic and lyrical, as well as psychological and philosophical, qualities of Klagess writing, including his interest in aesthetics. Taken together, all three parts constitute a vitalist toolkit to build a fuller, richer life. Drawing on previous studies of Klages that have only been available in German, Ludwig Klages and the Philosophy of Life provides a non-polemical account of Klagess life and work, with explanations and commentaries to guide the reader through extracts from his writings. The book accessibly explains the most important ideas and concepts found in Klagess work, including soul, spirit, character, expression, will, and consciousness, and it reveals Klages to be a serious figure whose thought remains relevant to many disciplines today. It will stimulate interest in his work and create a new readership for his remarkable worldview.