In Search of Civilization: Remaking a tarnished idea

by JohnArmstrong (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2010

  $3.80

  What is civilization? Why do we need it? And what can civilization offer us in an age of irony? The idea of civilization is a complex one, tangled up for years in ideas of colonialism and politics. John Armstrong explores the nature and aims of civilization in this elegant and witty book, examining how civilizing forces from the Greeks to the Renaissance have shaped and coloured our ideas of what a Good existence means. Only by bringing conversations about civilization back into our everyday lives, Armstrong reveals, can we rediscover our chance for wisdom and happiness.

• Used

  Paperback
  2009

  $6.39

  In Arthur Ransome's charming tale of childhood adventure, Secret Water , four children are pretending to be savages approaching an outpost of the civilized world. 'What is civilization?' asks Bridget, the youngest. 'Ices', explains her brother, 'and all that sort of thing'. It is probably the briefest definition of the term on record in English, though it doesn't quite do justice to the grand idea of civilization. But if it isn't ices then what exactly is meant by civilization, and why do we need it? Today, the debate around civilization and its meaning has almost disappeared. If talked about at all, it will be as part of a different debate: the political tensions between different parts of the world, colonial history, and developments in engineering. Yet the promise of civilization is greater: if considered in its full meaning civilization can be a way of reconnecting grand, societal forces - economic liberty, social freedom - with the more intimate and deeper needs of life - wisdom, maturity, and a flourishing of culture. In In Search of Civilization , John Armstrong argues cogently and passionately that our sources of wisdom, maturity and happiness are rapidly drying up. Only by reviving a conversation about civilization, we can put in place the conditions for our renaissance.

• New

  Paperback
  2010

  $13.74

  What is civilization? Why do we need it? And what can civilization offer us in an age of irony? The idea of civilization is a complex one, tangled up for years in ideas of colonialism and politics. John Armstrong explores the nature and aims of civilization in this elegant and witty book, examining how civilizing forces from the Greeks to the Renaissance have shaped and coloured our ideas of what a Good existence means. Only by bringing conversations about civilization back into our everyday lives, Armstrong reveals, can we rediscover our chance for wisdom and happiness.