Nothing Happened: A History

The past is what happened, and history is what we remember and write about it. This book redefines Nothing as something we have known and can remember, and suggests that by paying attention to how we understand Nothing to be happening in the present, we can recover histories that were there all along.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2024
Publisher: Stanford University Press

The past is a tapestry woven with events and experiences that shape our understanding of the world. History, as we perceive it, is the narrative we construct to make sense of these past events and their origins. However, what does it mean to gaze into the past and perceive nothing as having occurred? Why do we feel as if the way things were is no longer the case? This book seeks to redefine the concept of "nothing" and shed light on its significance in our lives.

For centuries, "nothing" has been a catch-all term used to describe everything that is supposedly uninteresting or simply non-existent. It has been a placeholder for the unknown, the unseen, and the unimportant. However, as Susan A. Crane reveals in her insightful and thought-provoking work, "nothing" has been happening all along.

Crane challenges our preconceived notions of "nothing" by presenting it as a fascinating and complex concept. She argues that "nothing" is not just an absence but a presence that holds immense power and significance. By exploring the various ways in which we perceive and understand "nothing," Crane offers a fresh perspective on history and our place in it.

One of the key insights of the book is that when we perceive that "nothing" has changed but we believe it should have, we experience injustice. Similarly, when "nothing" happens over a long period of time, we may feel bored or unengaged. These experiences of injustice and boredom have their own histories, just as the concept of "nothing" itself does.

By paying attention to how we understand "nothing" to be happening in the present, what it means to know "nothing" or to do "nothing," we can begin to explore how these experiences will be remembered in the future. Crane employs visual analysis and cultural studies to suggest a new way of thinking about history. She encourages us to remember how "nothing" happened, how "nothing" is the way it was, or how "nothing" has changed, in order to recover histories that have been overlooked or forgotten.

Through her work, Crane invites us to reevaluate our perceptions of the world and to recognize the hidden significance of "nothing." She shows us that "nothing" is not just a void but a rich source of meaning and possibility. By embracing the concept of "nothing," we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

In conclusion, "Nothing: A History of the Concept" is a thought-provoking and illuminating book that challenges our preconceptions and offers a fresh perspective on the world. By redefining the concept of "nothing" and exploring its various manifestations, Susan A. Crane invites us to reevaluate our understanding of history and our place in it. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, history, and the complexities of the human experience.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503640115