Styles of Seriousness

Steven Connor's book "Styles of Seriousness" explores the various ways in which a sense of the serious is made and maintained, revealing that while seriousness is the most powerful feeling, it is also the most poignantly indeterminate. He discusses the linguistic and ritual behaviors associated with different modes of seriousness with philosophers and writers, arguing that human beings are capable of taking things seriously in a way that nonhuman animals are not, for the unexpected reason that human beings are more versatile than most animals at not being completely serious. The book's central claim is that seriousness depends on different kinds of formalization or stylized practice, and that being a human means having to take seriously one's style of being.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: Stanford University Press

Seriousness demands a dedicated and unwavering commitment to one's pursuits. In his insightful book, "Styles of Seriousness," Steven Connor delves into the diverse ways in which a sense of seriousness is cultivated and upheld. While seriousness is undoubtedly the most powerful emotion, it is also remarkably elusive, perhaps due to the inherent impossibility of being completely serious. Connor engages in a captivating dialogue with philosophers such as Aristotle, Nietzsche, James, Sartre, Austin, Agamben, and Sloterdijk, as well as renowned writers like Shakespeare, Byron, Auden, and Orwell. Through their discussions, Connor explores the linguistic and ritual behaviors associated with different modes of seriousness, including importance, intention, sincerity, solemnity, urgency, regret, warning, and ordeal.

The central premise of the book is that human beings possess a unique ability to take things seriously that surpasses that of nonhuman animals. This remarkable distinction arises from the fact that human beings are incredibly versatile, capable of not being entirely serious at any given moment. In essence, we always have the choice to either embrace or dismiss something that is traditionally considered serious. Consequently, seriousness is shaped by various formalization or stylized practices.

Connor emphasizes the significance of Styles of Seriousness because human beings cannot exist in a simplistic or spontaneous manner. Being human necessitates taking seriously one's style of being, shaping one's identity and interactions with the world. The book sheds light on the profound implications of this realization, urging us to reflect on the ways in which we approach our lives and the choices we make.

In conclusion, "Styles of Seriousness" is a thought-provoking exploration of the multifaceted nature of seriousness. Through his engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, Steven Connor invites us to contemplate the ways in which we cultivate and sustain a sense of the serious, and the impact it has on our lives and the world around us.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503636453