Books matching: critique of modernity
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A thought-provoking, sometimes controversial deep-dive into what we've sacrificed for civilization. If you like your status quo challenged and enjoy accessible, conversation-sparking nonfiction, give this one a shot - but be ready for some strong opinions.
Civilized to Death by Christopher Ryan explores the idea that modern society has strayed far from our natural state as humans, questioning the benefits of progress and the impact of civilization on our well-being. The book delves into the concept of humans domesticating themselves and living in a world that is essentially a zoo, controlled by societal norms and structures created by humans, leading to a mismatch that results in modern-day ailments like stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Through a mix of wit and deep analysis, Ryan challenges readers to reconsider the true nature of humanity and the societal constructs that may be hindering our well-being.
We’ve never met, but you and I know each other pretty well. We each have a good sense of what makes the other happy or sad, healthy or ill, aggressive or nurturing. And we’ve got educated guesses on t...October 2019•304 pages- #2
Save:A thought-provoking, accessible little book that asks us to see love as an adventure and an act of courage - not just another item on life’s checklist. Fulfilling if you’re open to challenging ideas, but might not satisfy if you’re after romance or clear how-tos.
'In Praise of Love' by Alain Badiou delves into the philosophical exploration of love, presenting a unique perspective on the complex emotion. Badiou discusses love as a value that develops from significant encounters, emphasizing the adventurous and stubborn nature of love. He challenges conventional notions of love, discussing its defense and reinvention as a philosophical task. The book also touches on the impact of neoliberalism on love affairs and the importance of love in experiencing the world differently.
In The Meaning of Sarkozy, a book that has subsequently become famous, you argue that “we must re-invent love but also quite simply defend it, because it faces threats from all sides”. In what ways is...2009•118 pages - #3
Save:A controversial but engaging exploration of masculinity - part rallying cry, part social critique. You'll either want to pass it on or argue with it, but it's hard to finish the book without an opinion.
'The Way of Men' by Jack Donovan explores the essence of masculinity and the role of men in society. The book delves into the evolutionary history of men and women, highlighting the traditional roles they played in human society. It discusses the importance of virtues such as strength, courage, mastery, and honor in defining masculinity. Donovan criticizes modern society for its feminization of men and emphasizes the need for men to form strong bonds with fellow men to navigate the challenges of the contemporary world.
You could be our primal ancestors, you could be pioneers, you could be stranded in some remote location, you could be survivors of a nuclear holocaust or the zombie apocalypse. Again, it doesn’t matte...March 2012•174 pages - #4
Save:Not your typical economics book - Sahlins offers a clever, critical, and surprisingly fresh look at what “wealth” and “scarcity” really mean. Recommended for curious minds ready to challenge assumptions about society and economy.
Marshall Sahlins' 'Stone Age Economics' challenges the conventional view of paleolithic economies as conditions of scarcity, arguing instead that labor, scarcity, and abundance constituted the original affluent society. The book delves into the structure of subsistence economies and critiques modern economic reasoning through conceptual analyses of various exchange relations and economic behaviors. Sahlins explores the idea that scarcity is more aligned with the bourgeois epoch, providing a unique perspective on the nature of economic problems and solutions.
If economics is the dismal science, the study of hunting and gathering economies must be its most advanced branch. Almost universally committed to the proposition that life was hard in the paleolithic...1972•364 pages - #5
Save:A challenging but essential classic that asks you to rethink everything you believe about freedom, progress, and the role of technology - rewarding for the patient and reflective reader.
'The Technological Society' by Jacques Ellul is a sociological and philosophical analysis of the impact of technique and technology on modern civilization. Ellul argues that technique, defined as a complex of standardized means for attaining predetermined results, has transformed human behavior, society, and politics without any deliberate plan. He explores how technique has become the central concern of our technical civilization, leading to a society where efficiency is prioritized over traditional values and purposes. Ellul's writing style is thought-provoking and critical, challenging readers to reconsider their conceptions of liberty, progress, and the meaning of life in a world dominated by technology.
No social, human, or spiritual fact is so important as the fact of technique in the modern world. And yet no subject is so little understood. Let us try to set up some guideposts to situate the techni...1954•512 pages - #6
Save:A thought-provoking blend of food history, science, and recipes supporting traditional, whole-foods eating - rich in insight, but not for everyone’s taste or schedule.
'Nourishing Traditions' by Sally Fallon Morell and Pat Connolly challenges politically correct nutrition recommendations and commercial food trends. It emphasizes the importance of consuming unadulterated, whole, and pure foods, similar to what our ancestors ate. The authors delve into topics such as the negative effects of processed fats, starches, sugars, and proteins, and advocate for the consumption of natural, organic, locally sourced, and properly prepared foods. They provide detailed information on nutrition, traditional cooking practices, and the benefits of consuming fermented and cultured foods. also sheds light on the influence of commercial interests on nutritional guidelines and recommendations.
December 1995•665 pages - #7
Save:A lovingly curated collection of essays that challenges our assumptions about progress and reminds us what truly matters. Best for soulful readers with a bent for environmental and ethical reflection - Berry’s voice is one worth hearing.
'The World-Ending Fire' by Wendell Berry is a collection of essays that serve as a powerful call for readers to reconsider dominant cultural narratives about progress, technology, and the good life. Berry's writing reflects upon small communities of mid-1900s America and presents a vision of the good life centered on good character, strong communities, rich friendship, the dignity of human labor, and the interdependence of people upon their land. His essays highlight the importance of living with care and caring with love for the Earth and for one another, urging readers to pay attention to the places they inhabit and the impact of their actions on the environment.
The book captures Berry's profound convictions concerning the significance of community, a sense of place and belonging, and the need for infinitely sustainable land use practices. Through his writing, Berry advocates for a shift away from the extractive nature of the American dream towards a life focused on community, character, and the well-being of the Earth. The essays in this collection provide information, knowledge, and wisdom to help readers understand how their actions can either harm or heal the planet and themselves.
January 2017•366 pages - #8
Save:A challenging but deeply influential classic - go in expecting a workout for your brain and you’ll come away with fresh ways to think about what it means to live, work, and act in the world.
'The Human Condition' by Hannah Arendt delves into the fundamental beliefs about the human condition, emphasizing the importance of thinking as citizens of the world and defending it from thoughtlessness. Arendt's reflections on the nature of work, action, and thought are rooted in experience phenomenology, making her a significant political philosopher. explores human life through defining activities labor, work, and action, drawing parallels to Aristotle's division of knowledge into episteme, techne, and phronesis. Arendt's unique approach divides human life into three spheres and uses historical examples to describe the evolution of these concepts.
Arendt's writing style is described as excellently written, with flawless methodology and seamlessly written chapters that explore work, art, and technology. presents observations on the western human condition that were groundbreaking in its time and prophetic of future generations. Arendt's masterpiece of modern philosophy draws on the history of Western thought to diagnose the human condition, offering insight into what it means to be human and the pressing need for a reevaluation of our own humanity.
With the term vita activa, I propose to designate three fundamental human activities: labor, work, and action. They are fundamental because each corresponds to one of the basic conditions under which...January 1958•371 pages - #9
Save:A witty, concise, and surprisingly modern set of essays that challenge us to view gender equality through the lens of simple humanity. Worth the read for its humor, insight, and timeless common sense.
'Are Women Human?' by Dorothy L. Sayers delves into the concept of equality between men and women, emphasizing that both genders should be valued for their individual personalities and capabilities. Sayers critiques the societal expectations placed on women to conform to feminine stereotypes, highlighting the need for jobs to be allocated based on capabilities rather than gender. Through a series of essays and short stories, Sayers challenges the notion that women should imitate men in order to achieve equality, advocating instead for equal treatment based on human rights rather than gender identity.
1959•75 pages - #10
Save:A provocative and challenging critique of technology’s role in modern life; thought-provoking, unsettling, and definitely not for everyone.
"Technological Slavery" delves into the writings of Theodore J. Kaczynski, also known as "The Unabomber," exploring his views on the destructive nature of technology on society. Kaczynski argues for a revolution against the industrial technological system, highlighting the negative impacts of technology on human evolution, lifestyles, and meaningful existence. presents Kaczynski's predictions of the demise of civilization and the need for radical change to avert a bleak future. Through journal entries and manifesto excerpts, the author portrays Kaczynski's life in seclusion, his anti-technology beliefs, and his call for societal transformation.
6. Almost everyone will agree that we live in a deeply troubled society. One of the most widespread manifestations of the craziness of our world is leftism, so a discussion of the psychology of leftis...June 2010•490 pages
