Reddit meter
The Shipwrecked Mind
168 pages, 2016
philosophy
711 booksIn this timely book, Mark Lilla argues that the ideas, passions, and politics shaping today’s dramas are unrecognizable to us. The reactionary is anything but a conservative; he is as radical and modern a figure as the revolutionary, someone shipwrecked in the rapidly changing present and suffering from nostalgia for an idealized past and an apocalyptic fear that history is rushing toward catastrophe. And like the revolutionary, his political engagements are motivated by highly developed ideas.
The Origins of Political Disenchantment traces the history of modern disillusionment with modernity back to nineteenth-century Europe. Lilla writes about three twentieth-century philosophers—Franz Rosenzweig, Eric Voegelin, and Leo Strauss—who thought that society's problems came from a break in the history of ideas and promoted a return to earlier modes of thought. He then examines how grand historical narratives of betrayal shape political outlooks since the French Revolution, and shows how these narratives are employed in the writings of Europe’s right-wing cultural pessimists and Maoist neo-communists, American neoconservatives fantasizing about the harmony of medieval Catholic society and radical Islamists seeking to restore a vanished Muslim caliphate.
In The Shipwrecked Mind, Mark Lilla explores the concept of 'reactionary mind', a state of nostalgia for a past that never really existed. This is a key theme in the book, and it's something we can all relate to. We often look back at the past with rose-tinted glasses, forgetting the hardships and focusing only on the good times. This can lead to a distorted view of reality and can prevent us from moving forward.
Lilla digs into the power of political myths and how they shape our understanding of the world. He shows how these myths can be used to manipulate public opinion and drive political agendas. It's a fascinating look into the world of politics and a reminder to always question the stories we're told.
One of the key takeaways from The Shipwrecked Mind is the danger of idealizing the past. Lilla warns that this can lead to a refusal to accept change and progress, which can in turn lead to societal stagnation. It's a reminder to always keep an open mind and to be willing to embrace change.
Lilla also explores the role of religion in politics, and how it can be used to justify certain political ideologies. He shows how religious beliefs can be twisted to fit political narratives, and how this can lead to division and conflict. It's a sobering look at the power of belief and the dangers of fanaticism.
Finally, The Shipwrecked Mind emphasizes the importance of critical thinking. Lilla encourages readers to question everything, to dig deeper into the stories we're told, and to always seek the truth. It's a call to action for all of us to become more informed and engaged citizens.