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The Temptation of the Wall

Five Short Lessons on Civil Life
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( 179 ratings, 18 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Temptation of the Wall by Massimo Recalcati delves into the psychological and political implications of building physical and metaphorical walls in contemporary society. Through a detailed analysis, Recalcati explores the desire for separation in the face of fear and uncertainty, reflecting on the impact of this psychological impulse on politics and human relations. The book provides a thought-provoking discourse on how walls symbolize broader social and political issues, critically assessing their effectiveness and consequences.
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This compelling exploration weaves together psychoanalysis and politics to examine the symbolic and literal divides shaping our world. You might enjoy it if you're drawn to thought-provoking discussions on the barriersβ€”psychological, social, and politicalβ€”that influence modern society and how they reflect broader human experiences and emotions.

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Originally published in Italian as "La tentazione del muro" by Feltrinelli, 2020.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Modern social and political life is characterised not only by a passion for freedom and a desire for human contact, but also by the urge to shut down, to refuse freedom and the responsibility that goes with it, to barter it away in return for our security: this is the temptation of the wall, a temptation with which every modern society has to come to terms.

Drawing on his experience as a psychoanalyst, Recalcati shows that the temptation of the wall is rooted in a deep psychological inclination: human beings have always drawn up borders and rejected the risks associated with being open to the outside world. But when these borders are turned into walls, they can only result in an impoverishment of the value of exchange and the loss of the dynamic plurality of a life shared with others.

The Temptation of the Wall explores these complex themes, offering insightful analysis and timely reflections on the human condition and the societal trends that shape our world.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Temptation of the Wall by Massimo Recalcati explores the contemporary phenomenon of constructing both literal and metaphorical walls in response to the perception of an increasingly threatening world. Through his psychoanalytic lens, Recalcati suggests that true empowerment and freedom come not from isolation but from solidarity and community. The book is praised for its insightful wisdom and engaging critique of modern societal behaviours.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509548798

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 January 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Contributors:

  • Translated by Alice Kilgarriff
  • Translated by Alice Kilgarriff

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 136g

Pages: 96

About the Author

Massimo RecalcatiΒ is a bestselling author and psychoanalyst who teaches at the universities of Pavia and Verona.

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