Product Description

Social upheaval in early 20th-century Europe is the historical setting for this seminal study by the Spanish philosopher, Jose Ortega y Gasset. Continuously in print since 1932, Ortega's vision of Western culture as sinking to its lowest common denominator and drifting toward chaos brought its author international fame and has remained one of the influential books of the 20th century.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21106 in Books
• Published on: 1994-05-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Customer Reviews

Simply put: one of the best books I've ever read
Ortega y Gasset had an uncanny understanding of the origins and dangers of modern mass movements. As some other reviewers have noted, this book was written in the early 30's in response to the fascist movements in Europe at the time. What is truly chilling is that, beyond predicting the unfortunate results of those fascist movements, the picture Ortega y Gasset paints of the "mass man" and how he is manipulated is still applicable to modern American marketing of both politicians and products. Like I said, one of the best books I've ever read.

Vital reading for the twentieth century
Clearly a work destined to resound through many generations, it is altogether too easy for us in our hindsight to nod and say "Yep, he sure had it pegged" regarding Gasset's analysis of fascist and nationalist movements. Yet we should really marvel at the audicity and strength of intellect it takes to make such bold arguments at a time of colossal upheaval in Europe. He writes in a seductive style fusing metaphysics and social commentary that is a joy to read. Still, it is dangerous to suspend our critical faculties in the presence of any writer, though he be (or maybe just because he is) a master of language. Gasset's values are clearly those of the educated elite of his time, and in my humble opinion many of these are self-contradictory, if not hypocritical: While decrying the "mass-man" born into the priviledges and luxuries wrought by the pioneers of liberal democracy in the 18th and 19th century, he waxes nostalgic in an almost romantic way for the soveignity of a long-gone nobility similar to Plato's concept of the Philosopher King. He also takes as a given the cultural superiority of Europe in general, making a strong argument for it as the apex of civilization. Albiet he does take great pains to dispel the modern notion of the nation-state based on language, history or natural boundaries. While I don't intend to open up that Pandora's box here, readers should keep in mind how such ideas and statements regarding Europes' (and her particular peoples) golden age have been (past and present) misused and distorted into racial theories with dire consequences. Gasset frequently makes reference to Spengler, a historical theorist who's vast scope and poetic breadth is not quite matched by his grasp of historical detail. Not that I claim to be able to do better than DECLINE OF THE WEST, but the resources available to the writer of historiography today is much more accessible, accurate and updated than it was in the days of Toynbee, Spengler, and yes Gassett. I guess it takes the boldest thinkers to make grand sweeping statements about the direction of historical currents, the decline of civilizations, and so on. But I find them more gratifying in the general than in the specific.

Ortega was a true sage
Of any of the political texts that I have read, none comes closer to predicting what the future would be. Written in the early part of the century, Ortega presents what are (will be) the failings of mass government. From the coming of war to the prevalence of the "self-satisfied" man, the author tells of a grim future for mankind.