Capitalism and the Death Drive

Exploring the destructive nature of modern capitalism

Byung-Chul Han author Daniel Steuer translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Published:28th May '21

Should be back in stock very soon

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Capitalism and the Death Drive cover

This book examines the destructive nature of capitalism and its psychological implications, highlighting the concept of a death drive within modern society.

In Capitalism and the Death Drive, the author presents a compelling argument that contemporary growth is akin to a cancerous proliferation disrupting the social organism. This growth, once seen as productive, has transformed into a force of destruction that has long surpassed its beneficial phase. The relentless push for optimization and performance leads to an emotional numbness, fostering a brutal competitive environment that ultimately results in self-destruction and societal collapse.

The book delves into the psychological implications of capitalism, suggesting that a death drive is inherent within its framework. Drawing on Freudian concepts, the author explores how this drive manifests in both individual and collective behaviors, leading to a sense of indifference towards oneself and others. The destructive tendencies of capitalism not only bring about ecological and social crises but also contribute to a mental collapse, as individuals find themselves caught in a cycle of self-optimization that ultimately proves fatal.

Capitalism and the Death Drive challenges readers to reconsider the consequences of unchecked growth and competition. It invites a critical examination of our current economic systems and their impact on human relationships and mental well-being. By intertwining psychological theory with social critique, the book offers a profound reflection on the dire need for a paradigm shift in how we view success and fulfillment in our lives.

‘These incisive and often disturbing meditations take the reader to the dark heart of contemporary neoliberalism, in which ubiquitous surveillance and the quest for personal gratification eventually threaten human vitality itself.’
William Davies, Author of Nervous States: How Feeling Took Over the World

ISBN: 9781509545001

Dimensions: 208mm x 140mm x 13mm

Weight: 181g

180 pages