

/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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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.
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."
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.