/463/ Reading Club: Place 3 – Sennett

Jan 14, 2025

Delve into the impact of capitalism on social interactions in urban life. The discussion navigates the decline of public figures and how elite segregation has shaped modern democracy. Reflecting on nostalgia, the speakers lament the absence of heroic figures over time. They tackle profound questions about community, civility, and the implications of intimacy on societal relations. Ultimately, the dialogue confronts the cyclical nature of alienation and the longing for a more connected society.

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ANECDOTE

Recurring Themes

Phil Cunliffe reread Sennett's book, finding the themes familiar despite the time passed.
He notes that the post-Cold War era mirrors the 1960s, and the present resembles a "crappy remake" of the 1970s.

ANECDOTE

Further to Fall

George Hoare relates the "Fall of Public Man" to the painting "Death of Marat."
He notes that public figures in the past had "further to fall."

INSIGHT

Decline's Duration

Philip Cunliffe connects Sennett's work to Lash's "Revolt of the Elites."
He questions the duration and nature of this decline, asking if it's a continuous spiral.

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The postmodern condition

Jean-Francois Lyotard

Jean-François Lyotard's "The Postmodern Condition" is a seminal work in postmodern thought, exploring the nature of knowledge and its relationship to power in contemporary society. Lyotard argues that postmodernity is characterized by a decline of grand narratives and a proliferation of localized knowledge systems. He introduces the concept of legitimation by paralogy, suggesting that knowledge is increasingly validated through consensus rather than objective truth. The book examines the impact of technology and information on knowledge production and dissemination. Lyotard's work has had a significant influence on various fields, including critical theory, cultural studies, and education.

The Fall of Public Man

Richard Sennett

In 'The Fall of Public Man', Richard Sennett explores the historical evolution of public culture and urban society from the 18th century to the present. He argues that the balance between public and private life has been disrupted, leading to a decline in public engagement and the rise of a more narcissistic, intimate society. Sennett analyzes various aspects of public life, including street culture, theater, and politics, to illustrate how the public sphere has been eroded and how this affects individual and societal development. The book also includes a new epilogue that addresses the impact of social media on public culture[1][3][5].

Mein Kampf

Adolf Hitler

Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler while he was imprisoned following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, is a two-volume work that combines autobiography and political treatise. The book details Hitler's early life, his experiences during World War I, and his increasing antisemitism and militarism. It outlines his vision for Germany, including the need for Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe, and his racist and anti-Semitic views. The work became the central text of National Socialism and a blueprint for Hitler's policies, including aggressive foreign policy and the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.