Speed and Politics, new editionWith this book Paul Virilio inaugurated the new science whose object of study is the "dromocratic" revolution. Speed and Politics (first published in France in 1977) is the matrix of Virilio's entire work. Building on the works of Morand, Marinetti, and McLuhan, Virilio presents a vision more radically political than that of any of his French contemporaries: speed as the engine of destruction. Speed and Politics presents a topological account of the entire history of humanity, honing in on the technological advances made possible through the militarization of society. Paralleling Heidegger's account of technology, Virilio's vision sees speed—not class or wealth—as the primary force shaping civilization. In this "technical vitalism," multiple projectiles—inert fortresses and bunkers, the "metabolic bodies" of soldiers, transport vessels, and now information and computer technology—are launched in a permanent assault on the world and on human nature. Written at a lightning-fast pace, Virilio's landmark book is a split-second, overwhelming look at how humanity's motivity has shaped the way we function today, and what might come of it. |
From inside the book
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... become a probable trajectory of its Assault . The battlefield has become like the naval glacis , without obstacles , entirely run by the rapid engines , the “ battleships of the earth . ” The war of attrition had , from lack of space ...
... become the exemplary development of the history of the camps that , in 1926 , receive their first volunteers ... become objects of scorn , social exclusion or denunciation , as the deserter or shirker was in time of war . In 1934 , the ...
... become politically necessary . " This shortcut recalls that of Saint - Just's famous dictum : " When a people can be oppressed , it will be ” —the dif- ference being that this techno - logistical oppression no longer concerns only the ...
Contents
THE DROMOCRATIC REVOLUTION | 27 |
From Highway Right to State Right | 49 |
Practical War | 73 |
Copyright | |
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