This collection of essays by Leszek Kołakowski investigates the fundamental questions and paradoxes within metaphysical thought and the nature of philosophical inquiry itself. Kołakowski, a renowned philosopher, draws upon a wide range of thinkers and concepts to explore the inherent difficulties and contradictions that arise when attempting to define reality, the divine, and the self. The essays examine the self-destructive tendencies within philosophy, the persistence of Cartesian thought, and the complex relationship between language, existence, and the absolute.

This collection is recognized for its rigorous philosophical engagement and Kołakowski's characteristic intellectual depth. The essays are likely to appeal to readers with a strong background in philosophy seeking to grapple with complex metaphysical problems and the history of philosophical thought. The breadth of topics covered, from the nature of God to the deconstruction of the ego, suggests a work that challenges conventional thinking and encourages critical reflection on fundamental concepts.