I've read the first 30 pages so far, and the final chapter, nihilism.

I feel like it's a very interesting take on the whole post-truth idea, especially his analogies. How the discovery of the last isolated tribe essentially puts ethnologists out of work, and their attempts to conserve such a tribe by placing "a glass box" around them only destroys their work further. Same with museum artefacts e.g. mummies.

Or the idea that various scandals serve to prove the existence and the power of current order.

But I'm not sure I agree with his pessimism. I'm not sure if he even makes suggestions on what can be done, only that "shit is fucked dude". I feel like such an attitude is incredibly unhealthy, and can only serve the system. How can he write such an interesting book, and then end with, "and so, you should lie down and just take it".

I'm not sure if I'm being too uncharitable with my interpretations, however.

Anyone have opinions on this ?

  • Ectrayn [he/him]
    ·
    4 years ago

    I am not big on postmodernism (in the sense that I didn't read much on the topic and I am not super attracted to it), but I recently found a video that talked about them and their philosophy in general from a quite interesting point of view, I'll see if I can find it!

    Edit: Found it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSFbP8NYffE (also the whole channel is good although their videos could tone it down on the aggressive editing imho)