The Internet Is Power

Larry Sidentop's "Inventing the Individual" challenges conventional narratives about the Enlightenment, arguing that the concept of the individual is deeply rooted in Christian thought and practice. The book traces the development of individualism from antiquity through the Middle Ages, highlighting the crucial role of canon lawyers and their interpretation of natural law. Sidentop demonstrates how the Christian emphasis on the inherent dignity and worth of each person, regardless of social status, laid the groundwork for modern conceptions of individual rights and freedoms. He counters the common misconception of a secular classical world, revealing the pervasive influence of religious beliefs and practices. Ultimately, the book offers a compelling revisionist history, showing how the seemingly secular values of the Enlightenment are profoundly indebted to the Christian tradition.

In this book, Joseph Henrich explores how Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations developed their unique psychological profiles. He argues that changes in family structures, marriage, and religion, particularly influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, led to the emergence of WEIRD psychology. This psychology is characterized by individualism, self-obsession, control-orientation, nonconformity, and analytical thinking, which contrast with the more group-focused and shame-driven cultures of non-Western societies. Henrich uses research from anthropology, psychology, economics, and evolutionary biology to explain how these psychological differences contributed to the industrial revolution and the global expansion of Europe[1][4][5].

Our Band Could Be Your Life is a comprehensive account of the DIY revolution in American rock music during the 1980s. The book profiles 13 influential indie bands, including Black Flag, Sonic Youth, The Replacements, Minutemen, and Husker Du, among others. It explores the personal stories, struggles, and successes of these bands, highlighting their impact on the music industry and their enduring influence. The narrative delves into the DIY ethos, the formation of independent labels like SST Records and Dischord, and the broader cultural and political context of the Reagan era. Azerrad's detailed and engaging writing humanizes the mythology surrounding these bands, providing a personal and insightful look into the lives and music of these pivotal figures in indie rock history.