Description
Book SynopsisAs an unprecedented global pandemic sweeps the planet, who better than the supercharged Slovenian philosopher Slavoj iek to uncover its deeper meanings, marvel at its mind-boggling paradoxes and speculate on the profundity of its consequences?
We live in a moment when the greatest act of love is to stay distant from the object of your affection. When governments renowned for ruthless cuts in public spending can suddenly conjure up trillions. When toilet paper becomes a commodity as precious as diamonds. And when, according to iek, a new form of communism – the outlines of which can already be seen in the very heartlands of neoliberalism – may be the only way of averting a descent into global barbarism.
Written with his customary brio and love of analogies in popular culture (Quentin Tarantino and H. G. Wells sit next to Hegel and Marx), iek provides a concise and provocative snapshot of the crisis as it widens, engulfing us all.
Trade Review“An impressive feat... [iek] at his most powerful.”
The Guardian
“Passages of beauty... a high-wire juxtaposition of far-left political theory and pop culture, held together by the force of [iek’s] rumpled charm.”
BuzzFeed
“iek leaves no social or cultural phenomenon untheorized, and is master of the counterintuitive observation.”
The New Yorker
“The most dangerous philosopher in the West.”
Adam Kirsch, The New Republic
“I don’t agree with those who claim that now is no time for politics... No! Now is a great time for politics, because the world in its current form is disappearing.”
PANDEMIC! author Slavoj iek profiled in Haaretz
"Stimulating"
Times Higher Education
"[T]his is not a rush job by a notably prolific author. The book is an achievement well worth respect and detailed attention."
International Dialogue: A Multidisciplinary Journal of World Affairs
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Noli Me Tangere 1
1. We're All in the Same Boat Now 5
2. Why Are We Tired All the Time? 17
3. Toawrds A Perfect Storm in Europe 29
4. Welcome to the Viral Desert 37
5. The Five Stage of Epidemics 47
6. The Virus of Ideology 53
7. Calm Down and Panic! 61
8. Monitor and Punish? Yes, Please! 71
9. Is Barbarism With a Human Dace Our Fate? 83
10. Communism or Barbarism, as Simple as That! 95
11. The Appointment in Samara: A New Use for Some Ild Jokes 107
Appendix: Two Helpful Letters from Friends 129
