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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... give up in despair without recourse to bloodshed . As the old saying goes , " Fear is the cruelest of assassins : it never kills , but keeps you from living . " After all , the invention of happiness , that new idea in Europe according ...
... give the feminist struggle its dubious nature ) ; and a “ mili- tary " France , the army zones , fortified glacis where , Ferry notes : “ The supreme commander is no longer a chief of war , but the administrator of a territory " —a ...
... give in space and time to Alexander the Great's question , to the problem of his limits . " The invader's performance resembles that of his athletic coun- terpart , of those olympic champions whose records first progressed by hours ...
Contents
THE DROMOCRATIC REVOLUTION | 27 |
From Highway Right to State Right | 49 |
Practical War | 73 |
Copyright | |
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