Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #166170 in Books
• Published on: 2001-04-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 202 pages

Synopsis
Now in trade paperback, Beyond Civilization is poised to reach the huge audience that catapulted this author's Ishmael onto the paperback bestseller lists. In his first work of non-fiction to build on the ideas of his "Ishmael" books, Daniel Quinn argues provocatively that civilization - a system to which we cling as it carries us toward global catastrophe - is an idea whose time has past. If humanity is to survive, we must move beyond civilization, not back to the tribal cultures that sustained our species for millions of years, but forward to a new tribal way of life that is right for our age. This new tribal culture is best exemplified by a circus whose members all work toward the same goal. In Beyond Civilization, Quinn argues persuasively that this is no utopian dream. It is a vital necessity that we must begin moving toward today.

Customer Reviews

Dissappointing, but then there are no easy solutions
After reading Ishmael & The Story Of B, I've become quite a fan of Quinn's critique of civilization, although I'm not quite as fanatic about his ideas concerning a solution, which is dealt with in the latter part of this book. The idea he suggests is not a new one, and is a mild variation of worker cooperatives/cooperative socialism. He states that a similarity in ideology is not a necessity among members of 'Tribal Business' which leads me to wonder how far it could go in achieving something vastly different from the civilization we live in.

Admittedly, it is an immensely difficult area in which to speculate when civilization has resisted change for so long, and perhaps Quinn couldn't have gone much further in suggesting grounds for change short of suggesting mass terrorism. But I don't see this book as humanities saviour and was sadly dissappointed with his suggestions. I was also confused that he called himself a 'lover of civilization' and slightly angered when he told how he used advertising to make money.

It sometimes seems that Quinn would have no argument with society had our culture not been leading itself to catastrophe, where personally I do, so maybe this is why I was dissappointed. Saying this, Quinn is very apt at explaining his complex opinions and the beginning of this book has some fantastic historical information and a great explanation of 'memes'. The parts that carry on where Ishmael & TSOB are fantastic and leave you ever more convinced with the failings of our society.

If you're new to Quinn, start with Ishmael, if you're not, read this. But you'd probably be more effective in saving the world if you lend out your copy of Ishmael to your friends than attempting a 'Tribal Business Venture'

Inspiring ideas about the re-tribalisation of society.
Easy to read and packed with ideas that make you see the world in a different way. Quinn speaks most effectively to those who feel civilisation is not what is should be. He explains that 'beyond civilisation' is a way of life and a way of making a living, giving examples to illustrate his points. He shows that saving the planet and changing the world is within our grasp. We don't have to vote or wait. We don't have to solve problems, just make happen what we want to happen, by walking away and going tribal. Above all, he presents a refreshingly positive perspective of Humanity and it's future; something we all need.

This book develops the ideas expressed in Quinn's other novels 'Ismael', 'My Ishmael' and 'Story of B'. While those are concerned with the success of tribal living and philosophy, 'Beyond Civilisation' is more of a practical manual. It is written as a series of notes to stimulate those who were inspired by his previous work, but still asked; "what should I do?" Those books are well recommended, but previous knowledge is not needed to be inspired by 'Beyond Civilisation' and the breadth of Quinn's vision.