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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... material sufferings that diminish him and melt him away : this is the role of indirect strategy , which can make a population give up in despair without recourse to bloodshed . As the old saying goes , " Fear is the cruelest of ...
... material , cities , landscapes ; and unbridled consumption of munitions , material , manpower . Little by little , the elegant battle plans and orders of attack give way to new considerations : consumption of grenades by trench yard ...
... material space leads to the government of noth- ing but time . The Ministry of Time sketched in each vector will finally be accomplished following the dimensions of the biggest vehicle there is , the State - vector . The whole ...
Contents
THE DROMOCRATIC REVOLUTION | 27 |
From Highway Right to State Right | 49 |
Practical War | 73 |
Copyright | |
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