Dag O. Hessen

Think with Zapffe

Peter Wessel Zapffe’s philosophy and books are more relevant than ever. Dag O. Hessen gives us an exciting introduction to Zapffe’s pioneering thoughts on nature conservation, his criticism of growth mindset and his deeply original philosophy on what it means to be human.

Zapffe was a mountain climber, writer and one of Norway’s most original philosophers. He asked and answered the question of the meaning of life with relentless thoroughness, while his lyrics are full of humor and harsh joys. His ironic observations on the human need to fill life with trivialities and things, the eternal demand for more of everything, and with it our constant destruction of nature, have inspired and fascinated many, including biologist Dag O. Hessen. Zapffe was central to the development of a philosophical critique of growth and formulated the fundamental question; what is the goal for human life, for society, how can we develop a course that makes us play with, not against, nature? This is the most important question of our time, and this book is an exciting and easy-to-read introduction to a deeply fascinating mind.