Howard N. Tuttle reveals underlying truths behind the foundations of existentialism, yet the greater usage of the book is as a reference tool. In order to collect a foundation for supporting Kierkegaard's quote, "the Crowd is Untruth," Tuttle reviews Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger and Ortega y Gasset. Tuttle is a Professor at the University of Utah whose greatest scholastic achievements include a PhD from the University of Vienna in German Philosophy.
Combining several philosophies the structure is difficult to follow. Often reiterating a similar topic and similar to a textbook, the content describes several main points of existentialism to a greater degree of understanding.
One of the main points is Kierkegaard's underlying comparison of self in relation to Christianity, religion. Kierkegaard often separates the individual from the crowd, yet when offering ideas of self improvement and exceeding the strictness of group mentality as person has to ask what guidelines define a person's success? What is the comparison to when an individual's only comparison is themselves?
Enjoying "the Crowd is Untruth" thoughts are awkward. Even the conclusion seems lacks a direct statement proving proof that group mentality is a complete lie. Instead, it identifies greater flaws of group mentality.
Frequently news of bullies and groups protect themselves by protecting those who fall below expectations. I agree individuals are necessary to the creation of a crowd. Often individuals composing a crowd do not adhere to the general image of a group. It appears as though conforming to the crowd produces an equalization that detracts from a person's self-worth and ability to contribute to society at their fullest capacity; however, to say everything involving maintaining a healthy lifestyle relies on a community seems overly presumptuous.
Insights are formats are similar to a textbook. Someone already familiar with the content will gain more from reading "the Crowd is Untruth" and might need to read it a few times. In contrast the book accents direct clarifying statements; such as, defining existentialism. Individuals are within themselves an identity that exists without society. Everything we know as society is an extension of the individual.
Before reading "the Crowd is Untruth" understanding why existentialism is a unique philosophy was foreign topic because of a lack of understanding. The framework between origins of the philosophy is topical to several people including: Philosophers, Historians, Theologians and Existentialists.
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