"Ludwig Wittgenstein: The Duty of Genius" by Ray Monk is a comprehensive biography of the influential philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. The book delves into Wittgenstein's life, exploring his complex personality, his philosophical development, and the profound impact he had on 20th-century philosophy. Monk presents Wittgenstein as a figure shaped by both his family background and the turbulent historical context of his time, particularly during and after World War I.
The biography highlights Wittgenstein's intellectual journey, beginning with his early work in logic and language, particularly in his famous "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus." It also examines his later writings, which reflect a significant shift in his thinking, focusing more on everyday language and its use. Monk illustrates the evolution of Wittgenstein’s ideas, demonstrating how his philosophy engages with issues of meaning, understanding, and the nature of human thought.