We Have Never Been Modern

Cian reviewed We Have Never Been Modern by Bruno Latour

Disappointing and muddled

2 stars

I think I agree with Latour's argument, but unfortunately the way in which he chooses to make it is obscure and hard to follow. There is a really interesting analysis buried in some really annoying prose. As someone who has greatly enjoyed many of his other books, this book was a huge disappointment.

I read somewhere that it was intended to be a parody of post-modernist writing. I don't know if that's true, but it certainly reads that way.

Nebuchi reviewed We Have Never Been Modern by Bruno Latour

Review of 'We Have Never Been Modern' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

What is modernity and should we overcome it? I believe this to be one of the most pressing philosophical questions of our time. It manifests itself in a plethora of other, so-called "smaller" and "more practical" questions, such as: Is there one correct culture (The Western Culture) or are all cultures equal? Should we transcend our natural physical form and live a life of pure rational thought, or should we make the body our only real dwelling place? etc. etc. Latour presents in this magnificent essay a very detailed map of the Modern, Post-Mod, Pre-Mod, Anti-Mod and lastly (Latour's preferred way of viewing the world) - the UnModern. The book is written in a style that's unique for what is essentially a hardcore philosophy book. Personally, I found it exceptionally easy to read, even though it took me two months of on and off reading. I think it's an essential …

What is modernity and should we overcome it? I believe this to be one of the most pressing philosophical questions of our time. It manifests itself in a plethora of other, so-called "smaller" and "more practical" questions, such as: Is there one correct culture (The Western Culture) or are all cultures equal? Should we transcend our natural physical form and live a life of pure rational thought, or should we make the body our only real dwelling place? etc. etc. Latour presents in this magnificent essay a very detailed map of the Modern, Post-Mod, Pre-Mod, Anti-Mod and lastly (Latour's preferred way of viewing the world) - the UnModern. The book is written in a style that's unique for what is essentially a hardcore philosophy book. Personally, I found it exceptionally easy to read, even though it took me two months of on and off reading. I think it's an essential philosophy book for our times and so I highly recommend it.

Steen Christiansen reviewed We Have Never Been Modern by Bruno Latour

Review of 'We Have Never Been Modern' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

The argument is bold and necessary, but the wry humor makes a muddle of the book.

We Have Never Been Modern

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