‘Philosophy of the Pub’ is the NPO Radio 1 Non-Fiction Book of the Month for March

“Schnitzler presents us with the necessary philosophical hooks on which to hang our coats. He lets each philosopher speak just long enough to get us thinking, without completely consuming our thoughts. It feels like a spontaneous encounter with the thinking of the pub. Just as we make contact with our temporary companions at the bar, loosely, without pressure, we are not suffocated by any pub relationship. In the small environment of the pub we find the way to get along with each other without to become bogged down in a war or to be crushed by all-destroying passion. Every conflict is fought outside, while inside the space remains free of conflict except for that one fierce discussion.”

The solution

“Seeking rapprochement without losing ourselves and infringing on the being of the other is an art that we no longer understand these days. By spending time in the pub of this book, we understand better and better what it is beyond the cover is lacking. The loss is not only palpable, but somewhere it also dawns, maybe we will find the solution there where we never have to look for solutions. In the pub, where life feels like a relief.”

“It doesn’t have to be pompous, in fact, you will have to let go of all pride. The pub tolerates no blowing, no excessive pompous behavior. The rhythm of the drinks room appeals to our friendliness. In return, we are freed from the yoke of indifference. We entrust ourselves to the sensitivity of the other. Our mind is supported by the bar stool, all worries are diluted with every sip. When we close the door behind us after the last round, we forget the familiar pub feeling just a little bit. less quickly. Schnitzler shows that it still exists, a place of humanity, the pub where the icy scream of society is extinguished like a candle and the sigh of life is given free rein.”