Synopsis
‘Deeply interesting … a superb critique of contemporary self-obsession’ Steven Poole, Guardian
'Engrossing … bracing … incendiary and timely’ Stuart Jeffries, Daily Telegraph
A philosopher explains why the search for identity is meaningless, and how we should escape the self
Modern life encourages us to pursue the perfect identity. Whether we aspire to become the best lawyer or charity worker, life partner or celebrity influencer, we emulate exemplars that exist in the world – hoping it will bring us happiness. But this often leads to a complex game of envy and pride. We achieve these identities but want others to imitate us. We disagree with those whose identities contradict ours – leading to polarisation and even violence. And yet when they thump against us, we are ashamed to ring hollow.
In Against Identity, philosopher Alexander Douglas seeks an alternative wisdom. Searching the work of three thinkers – ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, Dutch Enlightenment thinker Benedict de Spinoza, and 20th Century French theorist René Girard – he explores how identity can be a spiritual violence that leads us away from truth.
Through their worlds and radically different cultures, we discover how, at moments of historical rupture, our hunger for being grows: and yet, it is exactly these times when we should make peace with our indeterminacy and discover the freedom of escaping our selves.
‘Lucid and absorbing … One of my highlight books of the year’ Stuart Kelly, Scotsman
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Alexander Douglas was born in Canberra, Australia where he studied music and philosophy. He now teaches the history of philosophy and the philosophy of economics at the University of St Andrews. He has published two books on the philosophy of Benedict de Spinoza and one on the philosophy of debt. He has grown increasingly interested in combining ideas from Western and East Asian philosophy. He loves music, literature, history, and engineering. He lives with his wife in Edinburgh.
From the Back Cover
Modern life encourages us to pursue the perfect identity. Whether we aspire to become the best lawyer or charity worker, life partner or celebrity influencer, we emulate exemplars that exist in the world – hoping it will bring us happiness. But this often leads to a complex game of envy and pride. We achieve these identities but want others to imitate us. We disagree with those whose identities contradict ours – leading to polarisation and even violence. And yet when they thump against us, we are ashamed to ring hollow.
In Against Identity, philosopher Alexander Douglas seeks an alternative wisdom. Searching the work of three thinkers – ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, Dutch Enlightenment thinker Benedict de Spinoza, and 20th Century French theorist René Girard – he explores how identity can be a spiritual violence that leads us away from truth.
Through their worlds and radically different cultures, we discover how, at moments of historical rupture, our hunger for being grows: and yet, it is exactly these times when we should make peace with our indeterminacy and discover the freedom of escaping our selves.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Against Identity: The Wisdom of Escaping the Self
Seller Image
Against Identity: The Wisdom of Escaping the Self
Seller: Austin Goodwill 1101, Austin, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. Book shows general signs of use and handling. May have light wear on the cover or edges and minimal writing or highlighting. Binding remains tight, and pages are clean and readable. Seller Inventory # CTXV.0241648211.G
Seller Image
Against Identity : The Wisdom of Escaping the Self
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition. Seller Inventory # 48108388
Seller Image
Against Identity : The Wisdom of Escaping the Self
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 48108388-n
Seller Image
Against Identity
Seller: Rarewaves.com USA, London, LONDO, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardback. Condition: New. 'Deeply interesting . a superb critique of contemporary self-obsession' Steven Poole, Guardian'Engrossing . bracing . incendiary and timely' Stuart Jeffries, Daily TelegraphA philosopher explains why the search for identity is meaningless, and how we should escape the self Modern life encourages us to pursue the perfect identity. Whether we aspire to become the best lawyer or charity worker, life partner or celebrity influencer, we emulate exemplars that exist in the world - hoping it will bring us happiness. But this often leads to a complex game of envy and pride. We achieve these identities but want others to imitate us. We disagree with those whose identities contradict ours - leading to polarisation and even violence. And yet when they thump against us, we are ashamed to ring hollow.In Against Identity, philosopher Alexander Douglas seeks an alternative wisdom. Searching the work of three thinkers - ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, Dutch Enlightenment thinker Benedict de Spinoza, and 20th Century French theorist René Girard - he explores how identity can be a spiritual violence that leads us away from truth.Through their worlds and radically different cultures, we discover how, at moments of historical rupture, our hunger for being grows: and yet, it is exactly these times when we should make peace with our indeterminacy and discover the freedom of escaping our selves.'Lucid and absorbing . One of my highlight books of the year' Stuart Kelly, Scotsman. Seller Inventory # LU-9780241648216
Buy New
£ 20.14
Free Shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 8 available
Stock Image
Against Identity (Hardcover)
Published by
Penguin Books Ltd, London, 2025
ISBN 10: 0241648211
ISBN 13: 9780241648216
New
Hardcover
Seller: Grand Eagle Retail, Bensenville, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: new. Hardcover. A philosopher explains why the search for identity is meaningless, and how we should escape the selfModern life encourages us to pursue the perfect identity. Whether we aspire to become the best lawyer or charity worker, life partner or celebrity influencer, we emulate exemplars that exist in the world - hoping it will bring us happiness. But this often leads to a complex game of envy and pride. We achieve these identities but want others to imitate us. We disagree with those whose identities contradict ours - leading to polarisation and even violence. And yet when they thump against us, we are ashamed to ring hollow.In Against Identity, philosopher Alexander Douglas seeks an alternative wisdom. Searching the work of three thinkers - ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, Dutch Enlightenment thinker Benedict de Spinoza, and 20th Century French theorist Rene Girard - he explores how identity can be a spiritual violence that leads us away from truth.Through their worlds and radically different cultures, we discover how, at moments of historical rupture, our hunger for being grows- and yet, it is exactly these times when we should make peace with our indeterminacy and discover the freedom of escaping our selves. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780241648216
Stock Image
Against Identity The Wisdom of Escaping the Self Format: Cloth Over Boards
Seller: INDOO, Avenel, NJ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Brand New. Seller Inventory # 9780241648216
Stock Image
Against Identity
Seller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # DB-9780241648216
Buy New
£ 16.88
£ 4.16 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 11 available
Seller Image
Against Identity
Seller: Rarewaves USA, OSWEGO, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardback. Condition: New. 'Deeply interesting . a superb critique of contemporary self-obsession' Steven Poole, Guardian'Engrossing . bracing . incendiary and timely' Stuart Jeffries, Daily TelegraphA philosopher explains why the search for identity is meaningless, and how we should escape the self Modern life encourages us to pursue the perfect identity. Whether we aspire to become the best lawyer or charity worker, life partner or celebrity influencer, we emulate exemplars that exist in the world - hoping it will bring us happiness. But this often leads to a complex game of envy and pride. We achieve these identities but want others to imitate us. We disagree with those whose identities contradict ours - leading to polarisation and even violence. And yet when they thump against us, we are ashamed to ring hollow.In Against Identity, philosopher Alexander Douglas seeks an alternative wisdom. Searching the work of three thinkers - ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, Dutch Enlightenment thinker Benedict de Spinoza, and 20th Century French theorist René Girard - he explores how identity can be a spiritual violence that leads us away from truth.Through their worlds and radically different cultures, we discover how, at moments of historical rupture, our hunger for being grows: and yet, it is exactly these times when we should make peace with our indeterminacy and discover the freedom of escaping our selves.'Lucid and absorbing . One of my highlight books of the year' Stuart Kelly, Scotsman. Seller Inventory # LU-9780241648216
Stock Image
Against Identity: The Wisdom of Escaping the Self
Seller: Majestic Books, Hounslow, United Kingdom
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 410726449
Buy New
£ 20.90
£ 6.50 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 3 available
Stock Image
Against Identity
Seller: Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries Ltd., Galway, GY, Ireland
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. 2025. Hardcover. . . . . . Seller Inventory # V9780241648216
Buy New
£ 19.05
£ 9.16 shipping
Ships from Ireland to U.S.A.
Ships from Ireland to U.S.A.
Quantity: Over 20 available