On Insignificance: The Loss of Meaning in the Post-Material Age

On Insignificance explores the anthropological consequences of the disappearing of materiality and sensory embodiment, arguing that caring for the singularities of the world is the most viable way to resist the alienating effects of the digital bureaucratization of meaning. It will be of interest to scholars of anthropology, cultural studies, semiotics, aesthetics, communication studies, and social theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

On Insignificance delves into the profound anthropological implications of the vanishing of materiality and sensory embodiment, shedding light on some of the most unsettling patterns of insignificance that have permeated our daily existence. In his quest to unravel the semiotic roots of feelings of meaninglessness, Leone proposes that nurturing the unique qualities of the world is the most effective strategy to counter the alienating effects of the digital bureaucratization of meaning. This thought-provoking book will captivate scholars across a wide range of disciplines, including anthropology, cultural studies, semiotics, aesthetics, communication studies, and social theory.

The loss of materiality and sensory embodiment has profound implications for our understanding of human existence. In the past, our physical bodies and the world around us were intimately connected, and our experiences were shaped by the sensory inputs we received. However, with the advent of digital technology, we have become increasingly detached from the physical world and its sensory experiences.

This detachment has led to a sense of meaninglessness and disconnection from the world around us. We no longer feel a sense of belonging or connection to the natural world, and our relationships with others are often mediated through screens and virtual interactions. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression.

On Insignificance seeks to address these issues by exploring the semiotic causes of feelings of meaninglessness. Leone argues that caring for the singularities of the world is the most viable way to resist the alienating effects of the digital bureaucratization of meaning. He suggests that by paying attention to the details and complexities of the world around us, we can develop a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of sensory experience in shaping our understanding of the world. Leone argues that our senses are not just passive receivers of information but active agents that shape our experiences and perceptions. By engaging with the world through our senses, we can develop a more nuanced and complex understanding of the world and our place in it.

Another theme of the book is the role of materiality in shaping our experiences and identities. Leone argues that the material world is not just a physical reality but a cultural and symbolic construct that shapes our experiences and relationships with others. By exploring the relationship between materiality and identity, Leone suggests that we can develop a more sustainable and ethical relationship with the natural world.

On Insignificance is a thought-provoking and insightful book that will be of interest to scholars across a wide range of disciplines. It offers a new perspective on the anthropological consequences of the disappearing of materiality and sensory embodiment and provides a roadmap for developing a more meaningful and sustainable relationship with the world around us.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 232 x 156 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138618305