Modern Dangers

Author: Taylor
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-06-01
Features: In this book, the author focuses on the key modern concept of self-actualization, which is often criticized as providing main support for the "narcissistic culture" named by Christopher Lasch. Taylor explores this issue more cautiously. He acknowledges that the impulse for self-actualization is often expressed in a self-centered way, but he argues that it is not merely a deviation from traditional values and social commitments—the impulse also reflects the real and valuable aspects of modern culture. Taylor states that only by distinguishing the good aspects of this modern struggle from the socially and politically dangerous aspects can our era fulfill its promise.
Regarding the significant transformations in the culture and society we call modernity, there are polarized views. Optimistic liberals depict them as radical progress, while pessimistic conservatives portray them as decline, loss, and forgetfulness. Neither side is correct. In The Dilemma of Modernity, Taylor focuses on the key modern concept of self-actualization, which is often criticized as providing main support for the "narcissistic culture" named by Christopher Lasch. Taylor explores this issue more cautiously. He acknowledges that the impulse for self-actualization is often expressed in a self-centered way, but he argues that it is not merely a deviation from traditional values and social commitments—the impulse also reflects the real and valuable aspects of modern culture. Taylor states that only by distinguishing the good aspects of this modern struggle from the socially and politically dangerous aspects can our era fulfill its promise.