Concerning Intellectual Suicide in The Human Race
A debate on the human condition (Human Condition Trilogy)
by Massimo Fantini
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Pub Date 21 May 2023 | Archive Date 28 Apr 2024
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Description
Intellectual suicide corresponds to the more or less conscious decision to switch off the brain and renounce rational thought in favor of attitudes dictated by superstitions, by established habits, by prejudices, by common places. The effects of irrational choices – made with the brain switched off – can be devastating for oneself and for the others. Examples range from conformism, to religious superstitions, to ideological fundamentalism, just to name a few possibilities.
Tommaso, the protagonist of this debate, is the victim of his parents’ intellectual suicide, perpetrated through procreation. Procreation – the unilateral act by which a couple throws innocent individuals into the stillicidium of life, without weighing the consequences that the hell of existence will have on them – is the most heinous form of intellectual suicide in the human race, not least because of the scale of its consequences.
The author’s intention is to shine the spotlight on the one reality that unites us all, that accompanies our lives from birth until death, but which is casted to our periphery: the human condition.
The editing and translation of this book was done by Ian Zwaschka.
Advance Praise
"In Massimo Fantini's provocative work, ""Concerning Intellectual Suicide in The Human Race"" the author delves into the profound implications of forsaking rational thought in favor of superstitions, prejudices, and conformity. With a keen focus on the ramifications of such intellectual negligence, Fantini presents a compelling argument through the lens of his protagonist, Tommaso.
At the heart of Fantini's discourse is the notion of intellectual suicide—a conscious or subconscious decision to abandon rationality in favor of ingrained beliefs and societal norms. Through Tommaso's plight, Fantini illustrates how individuals, like Tommaso, can become unwitting victims of their parents' intellectual suicide through procreation. By bringing innocent beings into a world fraught with the uncertainties and challenges of existence, parents perpetrate a form of intellectual suicide with far-reaching consequences.
Fantini's exploration of intellectual suicide extends beyond individual decisions to societal and cultural phenomena. He deftly examines how conformity, religious superstitions, and ideological fundamentalism can all contribute to the perpetuation of intellectual suicide on a larger scale. By shining a spotlight on these issues, Fantini urges readers to critically evaluate their own beliefs and actions, challenging them to break free from the shackles of intellectual complacency.
One of the most compelling aspects of Fantini's work is its universality. Regardless of background or belief system, readers are confronted with the shared experience of the human condition—a reality often relegated to the periphery of consciousness. Through Tommaso's journey, Fantini invites readers to confront the existential questions that accompany life from birth to death, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.
The seamless flow of the narrative allows readers to immerse themselves fully in the debate surrounding intellectual suicide, facilitating a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. By advocating for the enforcement of the right not to be born, Fantini underscores the imperative of protecting future generations from unnecessary suffering. He emphasizes that no individual should have the authority to inflict suffering upon others, and that every person deserves the right to a life free from unnecessary hardship. In doing so, Fantini elevates the importance of this objective as an absolute priority that cannot be deferred any longer.
""Concerning Intellectual Suicide in The Human Race"" is a thought-provoking and timely contribution to the ongoing discourse on rationality, belief, and the human experience. Through the compelling narrative of Tommaso, Massimo Fantini challenges readers to confront the consequences of intellectual complacency and encourages them to embrace a more critical and introspective approach to life. Fantini's message shines through with clarity and precision, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in delving deeper into the complexities of the human condition.
—BookBelow
Available Editions
ISBN | 9798320665870 |
PRICE | US$2.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 272 |