Zombies of Marx: The Return of Practical Reason

by Davide Smith Borrelli

Where do the obsessions of the present come from? Where did the modern idea of Social Justice come from? Will pronouns save the world? And why do those who speak of common sense seem neither common nor sensible? From Ulysses to Hiro Onoda, this book unveils the origins of modern culture, its irrational excesses, and how its obsession with conflict has resurrected the worst authoritarian instincts of the last century.

In Zombies of The Return of Practical Reason, Davide Smith Borrelli embarks on a provocative journey through the intertwined legacies of Marxism, postmodernism, and deconstruction. With a bold stance, he exposes the philosophical and cultural shifts that have turned a revolutionary ideal into an "army of walking dead" intellectuals, prophets of irrationalism.

This book challenges the self-proclaimed moral authority of academia and its descent into a culture of hysteria, identity politics, and pseudoscientific dogmas. With sharp wit and unwavering honesty, Borrelli critiques the spread of Deconstructed Social Justice, a movement that has replaced rigorous inquiry with moralistic fanfare and nostalgic fantasies of a lost utopia.

Drawing inspiration from Derrida’s Specters of Marx, Borrelli traces the genealogy of contemporary intellectual from the collapse of Soviet communism to the rise of ethical fanaticism in the West. He analyzes how academia’s obsession with power and authority has polarized public debate, undermining the value of individual freedom.

At once a polemical critique and a call to action, Zombies of Marx urges readers to reconsider the role of intellectuals in society and to rediscover the true purpose of not to manipulate, but to enlighten.

For those unafraid to challenge dogmas—whether Marxist, postmodern, or otherwise—this book is a bold exploration of the conflicts shaping the modern world.

Are you ready to confront the walking dead of thought?

Genres: Philosophy

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

Davide Borrelli is a writer specializing in the critical analysis of ideologies and social structures. With extensive experience and a deep passion for philosophical thought, Davide offers reflections that challenge conventions and stimulate debate.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is monumental in its scope, and fearless in its ambition. The author offers us critical appraisal of societal ways across the millennia. He is extremely well read and erudite which is obvious from the ease with which he juggles every philosopher, politician/societal structure of note, incisively showing to the readers both their strengths and weaknesses.

The relativity of “ truth”, and “academic knowledge”; the danger of “ good intentions” and the destructive power of modern society’s principle “everything goes” are some of many profound concepts that are explored.

Davide boldly states that he disagrees with most of the opinions of the politicians and philosophers he discusses, and, instead, offers us his version of truth that is refreshingly simple.
The best societal order? Democracy! Whilst imperfect, it offers freedom of expression, encourages reflection and allows for feedback between the masses and the ruling powers.

The sole objective toward which humanity must strive? Justice! Whilst non-existent in reality, it must be humanity’s sole aim, says Davide.

The means for achieving the former and the latter?
Adopting liberal perspective in intellectual life- “unbiased discussion is a useful thing and men should be free to question anything if they can support their questioning with solid arguments”.

Is it even feasible, to achieve all the above, with human nature being what it is?
The author believes it is, offering us an example- pioneering Linus technology, that underpins most of internet based businesses:
“The spirit behind the Linux experience is the spirit of trust and collaboration among humans, which is at the heart of liberal thought”.

Lastly, I would like to add that I feel underqualified to read and review this wonderful book; I fear I might have missed out on some of its many layers- simply because my level of political/philosophical erudition is not a match for author’s. Even so, I’ve enjoyed it very much- thanks to the author!