Irvin Yalom

A Novel (P.S.)

The Schopenhauer Cure

Irvin D. Yalom

Julius Hertzfeld is a distinguished psychotherapist when a sudden confrontation with his own mortality forces him to re-examine his life and work. Has he really made an enduring difference to the lives of his patients? And what about those he's failed – what has happened to them? His attempt to make sense of the past places him on a collision course with former patient Philip Slate a handsome but arrogant and misanthropic sex addict whom he had treated, unsuccessfully, 23 years before. In a profound challenge to Julius's professional status, Philip claims to have cured himself by reading the works of philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. Furthermore, he has become a philosophical counsellor, and asks Julius to act as his professional supervisor in order to obtain a license to practise. Reluctantly, Julius agrees, and they strike a Faustian bargain – one which threatens to undermine his career and the well-being of his patients, but also brings with it the potential for extraordinary personal change through a unique combination of psychotherapy and philosophy.

I couldn't always relate to Schopenhauer but the story line was good, I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters.

Was confused at times about Philip but I enjoyed his growth.

The end is satisfying even tho it is sad.

Yalin Tsikun

I couldn't always relate to Schopenhauer but the story line was good, I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters.

Was confused at times about Philip but I enjoyed his growth.

The end is satisfying even tho it is sad.

Mark Anderson

This book has all the subtlety and nuance of a bull in a china shop . I’d rather walk on broken glass than have to reread this.

Suddenly confronted with his own mortality after a routine checkup, eminent psychotherapist Julius Hertzfeld is forced to reexamine his life and work -- and seeks out Philip Slate, a sex addict whom he failed to help some twenty years earlier. Yet Philip claims to be cured -- miraculously transformed by the pessimistic teachings of German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer -- and is, himself, a philosophical counselor in training. Philip's dour, misanthropic stance compels Julius to invite Philip to join his intensive therapy group in exchange for tutoring on Schopenhauer. But with mere months left, life may be far too short to help Philip or to compete with him for the hearts and minds of the group members. And then again, it might be just long enough.

The Schopenhauer Cure A Novel (P.S.)

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