Roman Krznaric's "History for Tomorrow" explores the lessons of the past to address present challenges and shape a better future. The book examines successful collective actions and movements throughout history, offering insights into building solidarity and overcoming crises. Krznaric emphasizes the importance of learning from both successes and failures, moving beyond cautionary tales to identify patterns of progress. He introduces the concept of the 'radical flank' and its role in social movements, illustrating how disruptive actions can catalyze significant change. The book ultimately provides a framework for applying historical lessons to contemporary issues, fostering a more informed and effective approach to societal challenges.
In 'The Human Condition,' Hannah Arendt provides a comprehensive account of how human activities have been understood throughout Western history. She contrasts the 'vita activa' (active life) with the 'vita contemplativa' (contemplative life) and identifies three primary human activities: labor, work, and action. Arendt discusses how these activities have evolved and been affected by changes in Western history, emphasizing the importance of action in disclosing human identity and creating a 'space of appearances' through speech and deeds. The book addresses issues such as diminishing human agency, political freedom, and the paradox of increased human powers without corresponding control over their consequences[2][3][5].
The Muqaddimah is a seminal work written by Ibn Khaldūn in 1377. It serves as the introduction to his larger work, 'Kitab al-‘Ibar' (The Book of Lessons), and provides a detailed philosophy of history. The book discusses historical method, the nature of society and social change, and introduces the concept of 'ʿilm al-ʿumrān' (the science of culture). It is divided into six chapters, covering topics such as human civilization, desert and sedentary civilizations, dynasties and royal authority, crafts and ways of making a living, and the sciences. Ibn Khaldūn's central concept of 'ʿaṣabiyyah' (social cohesion) explains the rise and fall of civilizations based on the strength of social bonds within tribes and societies[1][2][5].
In *Carpe Diem Regained*, Roman Krznaric reinterprets the ancient philosophy of 'seize the day' for modern times, challenging readers to confront mortality and live with greater passion and purpose. The book explores historical and contemporary methods of embracing spontaneity and living fully in the present.
The Quiet Before delves into the origins of radical ideas across centuries, from the scientific revolution to modern social movements. It emphasizes the role of quiet, secluded spaces in incubating these ideas and warns about the impact of social media on these processes. The book offers insights into why some movements succeed while others falter, and it suggests ways to nurture radical ideas in today's digital age.
In 'Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It', Roman Krznaric argues that empathy is at the heart of human connection and is essential for creating a more equal, happier, and creative society. The book outlines six habits of highly empathic people, offering practical strategies for cultivating empathy and using it to drive social change.
Leading social philosopher Roman Krznaric discusses his latest book, History for Tomorrow, which looks at what lessons we can learn from the past thousand years while also exploring how these learnings can help us better tackle some of the major challenges we face today. Krznaric is a senior research fellow at Oxford University’s Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing. Eudaimonia is a Greek word, which roughly translates as happiness or wellbeing. Joining him to discuss the book is Adam McCauley, who is a writer and researcher whose work focuses on the social, cultural, and political impacts of emerging technologies. McCauley also writes a regular newsletter, The View From Here.
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