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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... highway by highway toward the neighboring territories , as if the German masses , “ set in motion " by their leaders ' dynamic declarations , could no longer be stopped . After the conquest of the streets and the massacre of the Brown ...
... highway . This is the " political " aim of the Volkswagen , a veritable plebiscite , since Hitler convinced 170,000 citizens to buy a VW when there still wasn't a single one available . The " NSKK " ( National Socialistisches Kraftfahr ...
... highway , aiming precisely at limiting the “ extraordinary power of assault " that motorization of the masses creates . This frustration inflicted on the driver ( who is suddenly deprived of the “ high ” of high speeds as he is of ...
Contents
THE DROMOCRATIC REVOLUTION | 27 |
From Highway Right to State Right | 49 |
Practical War | 73 |
Copyright | |
4 other sections not shown