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Civilized to death : the price of progress
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Civilized to death : the price of progress

by Christopher Ryan

This volume challenges the belief that human progress is inherently beneficial, arguing that modern civilisation has compromised human health, relationships, and well-being. It compares contemporary lifestyles with a pre-civilised past to propose a better way forward.

Accession 15758 ISBN 9781451659108 Publisher Avid Reader Press
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Culture History Philosophy Popular Culture Science Social Sciences
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2026-06-01 16:40
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spine_text
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LOCATION HISTORY
M:N3:23 2 Current vertical
1 week, 3 days ago
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Identity

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Civilized to death : the price of progress
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vernon_slug
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brief_description
We hear some myths and lies so frequently that they feel like truths: Civilization is humankind’s greatest accomplishment. Progress is undeniable. Count your blessings. You’re lucky to be alive here and now. Well, maybe we are and maybe we aren’t. Civilized to Death counters the idea that progress is inherently good, arguing that the “progress” defining our age is analogous to an advancing disease. At a time when our ecology, our society, and our own sense of selves feels increasingly imperilled, an accurate understanding of our species’ long prelude to civilization is vital to a clear sense of the ultimate value of civilization and its costs. In Civilized to Death, Ryan makes the claim that we should start looking backwards to find our way into a better future. -- Publisher

Subjects & people

authors→ author (initial fill only)
Christopher Ryan
tags→ tags
Science, Philosophy, Social sciences, Civilisation, Culture, Life, Science -- Philosophy, Civilisation -- History, Human behaviour, Civilisation, Modern, Philosophical anthropology, Intellectual life, Popular culture, Humanism, Progress, Technology -- Social aspects, Transhumanism
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