Being and Time: A Translation of Sein Und Zeit [Paperback]

To me, Heidegger is the peak of Western philosophy, is writing is very meaningful and enjoyable to me. If you get IT, this book (and his later writings) can change you life. However this is difficult reading, but so very rewarding. However, Being and Time is not the place to begin reading Heidegger. There are several very excellent introductions: Steiner's Martin Heidegger,and Macquarrie's Heidegger and Christianity both are very excellent. When you read Being and Time (which is so much better than Being and Nothingness, I can't begin to tell you) you will need a commentary, there are several, but I would recommend Being-in-the-world by Dreyfus. I approached Heidegger as a Buddhist, so his main concept, dealing with the recognization of Being, was very familar to me. I found Heidegger to be wonderfully enriching in my own insight into the most essential question of philosophy. Then I studied German for 2 years in order to read Heidegger in his Original langauage (and also to read Rilke's poetry in it's original). The German source is very precise (a trait of the German language, which lends itself to precision and new combinations to create new expressions). The terms are necessary to get us to see the meaning that would not be visible with out new expressions. For me this works, and put into words (as nearly as anyone has) some of the great "mystical" insights. If you are reading only in English, you must have a commentary and both translations, start with the Joan Stambaugh, it is easier reading; but you will need the older Macquarrie & Robinson translation for comparision. Some concepts are better explained in one, some in the other. Also recommended Basic Writings : From Being and Time (1927 to the Task of Thinking) and WHAT ARE POETS FOR? and Heidegger's writing on Kant and Holderin. If you enjoy philosophy, this has my highest recommendation. This is philosophy that will awaken you in this moment.

Dreyfus

It's a incredibly important work, well translated. However, its very difficult to read without help (I cannot more highly recommend Michael Gelven's commentary on Being and Time).

Really even to know what some other people are talking about you should read this. If you liked Doctor Who when it was philosophical, before the 90s. Hint you will get the name better on Being in and Stuff....Ch 5. Paragraph 2. I got this copy for my God Daughter, my copy is out of print and it is a fabulous book. Many are, but no book shelf is complete without this. I'll let you decide on the merits of the philosophy when you read it.