Title
Voltaire'S Bastards: The Dictatorship Of Reason In The West
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In A Wideranging, Provocative Anatomy Of Modern Society And Its Origins, Novelist And Historian John Ralston Saul Explores The Reason For Our Deepening Sense Of Crisis And Confusion. Throughout The Western World We Talk Endlessly Of Individual Freedom, Yet Saul Shows That There Has Never Before Been Such Pressure For Conformity. Our Business Leaders Describe Themselves As Capitalists, Yet Most Are Corporate Employees And Financial Speculators. We Are Obsessed With Competition, Yet The Single Largest Item Of International Trade Is A Subsidized Market In Armaments. We Call Our Governments Democracies, Yet Few Of Us Participate In Politics. We Complain About Invasive Government, Yet Our Legal, Educational, Financial, Social, Cultural And Legislative Systems Are Breaking Down.While Most Observers View These Problems Separately, Saul Demonstrates That They Are Largely Manifestations Of Our Blind Faith In The Value Of Reason. Over The Last 400 Years, Our Rational Elites Have Gradually Instituted Reforms In Every Phase Of Social Life. But Saul Shows That They Have Also Been Responsible For Most Of The Difficulties And Violence Of The Same Period. This Paradox Arises From A Simple Truth Which Our Elites Deny: Far From Being A Moral Force, Reason Is No More Than An Administrative Method. Their Denial Has Helped To Turn The Modern West Into A Vast, Incomprehensible, Directionless Machine, Run By Processminded Experts Voltaire'S Bastards Whose Cult Of Scientific Management Is Bereft Of Both Sense And Morality. Whether In Politics, Art, Business, The Military, Entertainment, Science, Finance, Academia Or Journalism, These Experts Share The Same Outlook And Methods. The Result, Saul Maintains, Is A Civilization Of Immense Technological Power Whose Peoples Increasingly Dwell In A World Of Illusion.Already Known To Millions Of Readers As The Author Of Novels Which Portray The Overwhelming Effects Of This Power On The Modern Individual By Weaving Together International Finance, The Oil And Arms Business, Guerrilla Warfare, Drug Traffic, And The World Of Art, Here Saul Lays Aside The Mask Of Fiction To Speak In His Own Voice. Only By Withdrawing From Our Addiction To Solutions, He Argues, Reclaiming The Citizens' Right To Question And Participate In Public Life, And Recovering A Common Sense Capacity For Intelligent Panic, Can We Find A Way Out Of Our Permanent Crisis.
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- Q: What is the page count of 'Voltaire's Bastards'? A: This book has four hundred fifty pages. It provides an in-depth analysis of modern society and its complexities.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is a hardcover edition. The durable binding ensures longevity and makes it suitable for frequent reading.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Voltaire's Bastards'? A: The author is John Ralston Saul. He is a renowned novelist and historian known for his provocative insights into modern society.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of reason, individual freedom, and societal conformity. It critiques the idea of rationality as a moral force.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young adults? A: Yes, it is suitable for young adults. However, readers should be prepared for complex themes and critical analysis.
- Q: How can I best engage with the content of this book? A: Readers are encouraged to reflect critically on the arguments presented. Taking notes and discussing with others can enhance understanding.
- Q: What is the best way to store this hardcover book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading of the cover and pages.
- Q: How should I clean the cover of this book? A: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the cover. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions that could damage the material.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact customer support for a return or exchange. Keep the original packaging for reference.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, books typically do not come with a warranty. However, most retailers offer return policies for damaged items.
- Q: How does 'Voltaire's Bastards' compare to other books by John Ralston Saul? A: This book is more analytical compared to Saul's fictional works. It focuses on societal issues rather than narrative storytelling.
- Q: Who would benefit from reading this book? A: Readers interested in philosophy, sociology, or modern history would benefit. It is especially relevant for those questioning societal norms.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for academic study? A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for academic study. Its critical insights provide a rich foundation for discussions in social sciences.
- Q: What makes this book unique? A: Its unique perspective on reason and societal structures sets it apart. Saul's blend of historical analysis and personal narrative offers a fresh viewpoint.
- Q: Can I recommend this book to someone interested in political theory? A: Absolutely, this book is highly relevant to political theory. It critiques modern governance and the role of rationality in politics.