The Great Dismissal: Memoir of the Cultural Demolition Derby, 2015-22

Henry Sussman examines the rise of anti-intellectualism in the past few decades, exploring the decline of impartiality, the normalization of pathological narcissism, and the dismissal of scientific findings. He revisits his intellectual and experiential steps to lament and scrutinize these trends, resulting in an intellectual meditation on the great dismissal of humanistic traditions, ethics, and ways of thinking.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

In his profound exploration of the rise of anti-intellectualism in recent decades, veteran scholar and critic Henry Sussman employs a rich tapestry of anecdote, reportage, and memoir to lament and critically examine this troubling phenomenon. As we navigate a world where impartiality has declined, self-interested interference in politics, law, and culture has become the norm, pathological narcissism has permeated public life, and scientific findings and their counterparts in the humanities and social sciences are routinely dismissed, Sussman invites us to ponder the profound consequences of these developments.

To delve into these complex issues, Sussman embarks on a personal journey, revisiting many of the intellectual and experiential inspirations that have shaped his thinking. From the profound insights of Walter Benjamin to the intricate theories of Jacques Derrida, from the thought-provoking works of Douglas R. Hofstadter to the enduring wisdom of Immanuel Kant, and from the pioneering ideas of J. Hillis Miller, Sussman weaves a rich tapestry of ideas that shed light on the forces driving anti-intellectualism.

Through his intellectual meditation, Sussman explores the profound dismissal of venerable and vital humanistic traditions, ethics, and ways of thinking in public and political life. He raises important questions about the erosion of critical thinking, the dangers of ideological conformity, and the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to understanding the world. Sussman's work serves as a call to arms, urging us to embrace the power of intellectual inquiry, to challenge the status quo, and to safeguard the values that have sustained human progress throughout history.

In conclusion, Henry Sussman's exploration of anti-intellectualism is a thought-provoking and indispensable contribution to our understanding of the contemporary world. Through his meticulous analysis, anecdote, and memoir, Sussman offers a poignant lament for the decline of impartiality, the normalization of pathological narcissism, and the dismissal of scientific findings. By revisiting the ideas of his intellectual heroes and engaging in a profound intellectual meditation, Sussman provides us with the tools we need to navigate the challenges of our time and to safeguard the values that define our humanity.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501392290