The Philosophy Discussion Forum

Hi, everyone. I’m new to the forum, so apologies if this isn’t the right place to ask.

A friend put me on to a somewhat obscure philosophical work called Vagaries; or, an Ignis Fatuus for the Spirit-Seeker and I’ve been trying to make sense of it ever since. Despite how deliberate it feels, I’ve almost been more intrigued by the fact that I haven’t been able to find any other discussion of it.

I’m still working through it, but the tone immediately struck me as unusual. It feels systematic at times, but then switches registers at others. The preface was probably my favorite so far. It was oddly refreshing to read “He will not understand my work, who thinks he understands it,” and then have it say outright that the reader could skip the preface entirely without missing anything.

I just can’t quite tell how it’s supposed to be read. I’m not even sure I’m reading it the right way. It doesn’t feel like traditional philosophy, but it isn’t purely literary either.

Has anyone here come across it and had a similar experience, or is it just me?

Never heard of it. Who wrote it?

The site that sells it, which I shall refrain from linking to, suggests it is only available for pre-order, so I don't think your "friend" handed you a tattered old copy they bought at a second hand store in the summer of 97. This feels a bit like you are on a surreptitious marketing mission. Possibly for your own product?

I was simply curious—we’ve been trying to come to terms with it and assumed posting to a forum would be the best chance to find someone familiar. I haven't found any attribution; it's listed as anonymous on PhilPapers. We’ve both just been reading the .pdf as we do not have four figures for a book.

Are you referring to Vagaries by Axel Munthe which is a collection of essays and reflections written in the late 19th century? Best way to approach it is simply to read it in any order you like. Essays on various subjects do not require continuity.