Suicide of the WestOne hundred years ago, most Westerners felt tremendous pride and confidence in their civilisation. They knew what it stood for, and they believed in it. Today that sense has gone. That is largely because the six principal ideas which underpinned Western confidence - those of Christianity, optimism, science, economic growth, liberalism and individualism - have suffered a century of sustained attack. These ideas no longer inspire or unite the West as they once did. The contributors to Suicide of the West believe that, in theory, a more sophisticated synthesis of the six ideas could provide a way for the West to recover its nerve and integrity. But in practice? This fascinating book seeks to find the answer. |
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User Review - leigonj - LibraryThingThere is a not uncommon perception today throughout the West that Western civilisation is in decline, and this book investigates that sense. The West, taken as a civilisation, is the most successful ... Read full review
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achieved actions active advance American authority became become belief better capital cause cent century Christ Christianity citizens confidence continue countries course created creative culture decline democracy Eastern economic effect empire equality Europe European evidence example exist force freedom giving going greater Greek groups growth human ideals ideas identity imperialism important improve increasing individual industry influence innovation intellectual interests invention Islamic Jesus Jewish knowledge lead less liberal society liberty lives mean mind moral moved nature never non-Western optimism original personal responsibility political possible production progress reason religion religious requires responsibility Rest result rich Roman says scientific scientists sense social spirit success suicide thought tion trade twentieth century unique United universe values wealth West West's Western civilization whole
Bibliographic information
| Title | Suicide of the West |
| Authors | Richard Koch, Chris Smith |
| Edition | reprint |
| Publisher | A&C Black, 2006 |
| ISBN | 0826490239, 9780826490230 |
| Length | 198 pages |
| Subjects | › › History / Modern / 20th Century Political Science / General |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |