In my opinion, The Dialectics of Enlightenment cannot be read as a solitary text. It is a work that one must go back to again and again in order to grasp the relevance and application of the universal case studies presented. The roots of the ideas are in continental philosophy and will not deify the capitalistic model as a certainty unto a perfected future. In fact, the idea of the culture industry as a tool of mass deception is entirely relevant in today's world. The bourgeoisie has once again become the elite autocrats and in order to challenge their mediocrity, one must enter the 'inner snactum', which is very difficult without tremendous wealth that allows one to 'buy into the game'. I loved it! I do not view the book as a finite symbol of a sociological movement, but a blueprint through which reified conceptions can be challenged and made transparent.  

One of those books I wish everyone would read, and put the effort into reading properly (reread reread reread).

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

Didn't find this particularly revaltory, but I also didn't find it incomprehensible. What the other GR reviewers think is nonsense I believe to be just plain overqualified writing. The fact that they ...

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

Welcome to the pessimist world!!! If you like pop culture or even a so-called hard working type of person I warned you to read this carefully! LOL This book will guide you to the real "enlightenment ...

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

Dialectic of Enlightenment by Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno (1947); Translated by E. Jephcott (2002) - My initial comment, which I still have not reconsidered even after two souls have hammered ...

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

only read the assigned chapters. Not particularly inspired by it. maybe I don't share their angst. Capitalism really sucks but it is still the best system so far. I don't ever wanna go back in time. Read full review

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

A classic that is sometimes amazing and sometimes not - definitely uneven. However, at least the tone is unremittingly pessimistic.

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

This is by far a better translation than the older, Verso edition. Having read both, this text in either English translation remains one of the texts that changed my life and the way that I think about philosophy.

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment

This book struck me as very dated. Horkheimer and Adorno's description of a monolithic culture industry, for one, simply no longer holds true today (hi Internet!). Still, the book presents an ... Read full review

Review: Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments

The Enlightenment sought to bring mankind out of the shadows of orthodox tradition and religion and into the light of reason. A step toward human freedom, right? Perhaps, no doubt in some ways. But ... Read full review