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Understanding and criticizing civilization - Fiction
IshmaelIshmael by Daniel Quinn
Buy used from: £5.19
Points out our cultural mythology and explains how things came to be the way they are.
My IshmaelMy Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Buy used from: £2.49
Explains how food came to be "under lock and key" and why we thus have to work for it, and explores the education crisis in our society. Probably my favorite of Quinn's books.
Story of BStory of B by Daniel Quinn
Buy new: £8.03 / Used from: £5.93
Explores issues of population growth.
Brave New World (Perennial Classics)Brave New World (Perennial Classics) by Aldous Huxley
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A very slight extrapolation of what our society is bound to become if things don't change radically. Scary and depressing.
Fahrenheit 451: The Temperature at Which Book Paper Catches Fire, and BurnsFahrenheit 451: The Temperature at Which Book Paper Catches Fire, and Burns by Ray Bradbury
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A great book that criticizes the emptiness, dullness, triviality, and superficiality of modern life. Dare to be different by being truly knowledgeable!
The Fight ClubThe Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
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A good example of the effects of civilization on the human psyche. I liked the movie even better.
Instinct [VHS] [1999]Instinct [VHS] [1999]
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A wonderful movie that explores cruelty and alienation in civilization and that shows that a better life is possible.
The Matrix [VHS] [1999]The Matrix [VHS] [1999]
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An action-packed movie that illustrates the mental emprisonment of humans in the present system, and the need to face the truth (and not escape reality) and work at making the world a better place.
The Matrix Reloaded [VHS] [2003]The Matrix Reloaded [VHS] [2003]
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God, what a disappointing movie! Too much poor mushy-washy philosophical attempts and endless pointless fights. Thankfully, the third movie avoids all these mistakes.
The Matrix Revolutions [VHS] [2003]The Matrix Revolutions [VHS] [2003]
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Despite some very bad glitches, Revolutions remains a fantastic movie, almost as good as the first one. If you understand what The Matrix is really about, the end makes a lot of sense.
The Fall (Vintage International)The Fall (Vintage International) by Albert Camus
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A book that digs deep into the human psyche, conscience, and social expectations.
The HolyThe Holy by Daniel Quinn
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I really didn't like the book much at all but it tackles some interesting issues like the need to follow your calling instead of being scared and following the norm, as well as who the gods may be.
Great ApesGreat Apes by Will Self
Buy used from: £0.72
This book very slightly pokes fun at some human habits in the spirit of the planet of the apes. Unfortunately, it drags on, never sharp enough, and the end is more than disappointing.
The Little PrinceThe Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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A candid look and reflection on life from a little boy from another planet. Wonderful.
Fight Club [VHS] [1999]Fight Club [VHS] [1999]
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A good example of the effects of civilization on the human psyche. The violence can be chilling but it is an amazing movie.
Mindwalk [VHS]Mindwalk [VHS]
Buy used from: £29.95
An interesting movie where the three characters discuss issues related to our world and our perception of it.
The Last Samurai (Two Disc Edition) [2003] [DVD] [2004]The Last Samurai (Two Disc Edition) [2003] [DVD] [2004]
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £0.70
A surprisingly good movie about Honor, and the lack thereof in civilization.