On the Tragic

The English translation of On the Tragic by the Norwegian philosopher, writer, and environmentalist Peter Wessel Zapffe is a major achievement that for the first time introduces this classic text to Anglophone readers. On the one hand, the text is highly relevant to contemporary debates on the meaning of life and anti-natalism (the view that birth and life have negative value); on the other, it is a major text in 20th century Existentialism and Pessimism that develops an original theory of the human condition (as being characterized by meaninglessness and injustice). Finally, the text is known for its high literary level, vivid descriptions, and black humor. Roe Fremstedal Professor of Philosophy, Norwegian University of Science and Technology The translation of Zapffe's Om det tragiske into English is a major event that shouldn't be taken lightly. Zapffe argues that human consciousness mutated accidentally from nature as an error of overdevelopment, producing needs earthly life can never satisfy. The disillusioning insights that follow are formulated in a sophisticated everyday language and with an abundance of humor. Jørgen Haave Zapffe biographer and Senior Curator at the Henrik Ibsen Museum, Skien, Norway In this first English translation of Peter Wessel Zapffe's On the Tragic, Dr. Ryan Showler has performed an extraordinary service to philosophy and, indeed, to the liberal arts and humanities. The Anglophone world can now appreciate the intensely original thinking of this remarkable scholar. In consequence, Zapffe will hereafter be recognized as among the most lucid and thoughtful advocates of philosophical pessimism. Todd K. Shackelford Distinguished Professor and Chair of Psychology, Oakland University and Founding Director of the Center for Evolutionary Psychological Science