In this intellectual tour de force, Saul argues that the West now toils unconsciously in the grip of a stifling "corporatist" structure that serves...
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Oct 08, 2010
Tyler
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The denial of the public good in favor of private interests is a theme which gives this book as much relevance now as when it first came out. In this critique of modern society the author, J. R. Saul, raises the humanist banner of Socrates against the ideological standard of Plato.
Since about 1870, he tells us, Western individualism has given way to “corporatism,” the idea that power involves only group interests. The corporatist world view denies that individuals can be a source of More...
Since about 1870, he tells us, Western individualism has given way to “corporatism,” the idea that power involves only group interests. The corporatist world view denies that individuals can be a source of More...
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Jul 12, 2011
Jason
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Coming from a position that cannot be easily characterized as either Left or Right, Saul critiques technocracy and the anti-democratic culture of management and conformity, the favoring of private profit to public good, which comprise what he calls "corporatism." Regularly citing Adam Smith in opposition to the received truths of contemporary "free market" evangelists, Saul argues that markets do have a proper place in society (a fun game for those with the means to enjoy the
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Nov 29, 2009
Idleprimate
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i encountered this book just after my daughter was born. It articulated the sense she had given me, about civic responsibility, and my connection, however tenuous to society around me.
it is still the most concise argument available that demonstrates the need for citizenship and the dangers of narcissistic individualism.
it should be in highschool curriculums everywhere.
it is still the most concise argument available that demonstrates the need for citizenship and the dangers of narcissistic individualism.
it should be in highschool curriculums everywhere.
Jul 16, 2007
Trevor
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Saul is a beautifully simply writer. His thesis is that we live in a civilization that is fundamentally deluded about the type of society we actually are. We believe we live in a time of remarkable peace, but really there have never been so many wars. We think we are free and that we live in a democracy, but people have never felt so alienated from 'power'. This book is a call to arms over how to make our society more aligned to the myths of our society. Just because things have gotten wors
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Dec 10, 2009
Leftbanker
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Sort of a follow-up to Voltaire's Bastards which simply asked a lot of questions. This book begins to offer something in the way of an answer out of the predicament of modern civilization.
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Aug 19, 2009
Roz
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I want to highlight most of this book
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Aug 09, 2011
H
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Perhaps the most succinct summary of his ideas and criticisms of modern society. Only Voltaire's Bastards is better.
Jan 05, 2008
Egang
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The author lays out a compelling argument for the promotion of humanism and critiques the current state of our civilization and the traditional ideologies we are so accustomed to hearing from our political figures.
Jun 20, 2008
Mitch
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this is a groovy little text until it comes to speaking to the heart of the unconscious civilization ... of freudian and jungian theory. john ralston saul gets the notion of the unconscious all wrong.
Sep 14, 2010
Guy
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A magnificent criticism of the economic ideologies with which we have deluded ourselves, and which are being foisted upon us like religious gospels. Magnificent effort.
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