MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

Soren Kierkegaard. Translated by ALEXANDER DRU. Introduction by WALTER KAUFMANN

THE PRESENT AGE

In "The Present Age," Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard reflects on the state of society during his time, critiquing the lack of passion, depth, and authenticity in the modern age. He delves into the concept of constant distraction and the rise of a superficial culture driven by the pursuit of instant gratification. Kierkegaard challenges readers to question the values and norms prevalent in society, encouraging them to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GENIUS AND AN APOSTLE

Exploring the distinction between a genius and an apostle, Kierkegaard delves into the realms of individuality and universality. While a genius may possess exceptional talent and creativity, an apostle embodies a higher calling, serving as a messenger of profound truths and ideals. Kierkegaard emphasizes the transformative power of faith and purpose in distinguishing between mere brilliance and true enlightenment, inviting readers to contemplate the significance of their contributions to the world.

HARPER & ROW, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK. 1962. 103p.

MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

BY MAX HORKHEIMER AND THEODOR W. ADORNO

Dialectic of Enlightenment is, quite justifiably, one of the most celebrated and often cited works of modern social philosophy. It has been identified as the keystone of the 'Frankfurt School', of which Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer were the leading members, and does not cease to impress in its wide-ranging ambition and panache. Adorno and Horkheimer addressees themselves to a question which went to the very heart of the modern age, namely 'why mankind, instead of entering into a truly human condition, is sinking into a new kind of barbarism'. Modernity, far from redeeming the promises and hopes of the Enlightenment, had resulted in a stultification of mankind and an administered society, characterised by simulation and candy-floss entertainment. To seek an answer to the question of how such a condition could arise, Adorno and Horkheier subjected the whole history of Western catagories of reason and nature, from Homer to Nietzsche, to a searching philosophical and psychological critique. Drawing on psychoanalytical insights, their own work on the 'culture industry', deep knowledge of the key Enlightenment and anti-Enlightenment thinkers, as well as fascinating considerations on the relationship between reason and myth - the rational and the irrational - the authors exposed the domination and violence towards both nature and humanity that underpin the Enlightenment project

Verso, 1997, 258 pages

By Richard S. Weiss..

Religion on the Margins of Colonialism. “In this book, I present a narrative of the emergence of modern Hinduism that challenges these conventional accounts. I do this through a close study of the writ- ings, teachings, and innovations of Ramalinga Swami (1823–1874). Ramalinga was a Shaiva leader who spoke and wrote in Tamil in a local setting, was marginal to colonial and Hindu institutional authority, was grounded in Hindu traditions, and did not engage the West in any visible way. I argue that Ramalinga’s teachings were modern because they displayed an acute awareness of challenges of the present, innovated in ways that addressed those challenges, were founded on a desire to transform the world in specific ways, and presaged later developments in Hindu traditions.”

UC Press. 2019. 222 pages.