This Ugly Civilization is a very unique critique and renowned work by Ralph Borsodi published in 1929. During the twentieth century the work maintained a steady, if even at times moderate, popularity. It was published a few years shy of the Great Depression and hugely successful due to the sheer amount of people who, by necessity, were having to re-evaluate their entire existence. A total stock market collapse rendered millions upon millions out of any source of income to sustain on. Things got bad, to say the least.
The beginning of US involvement in WWII led to another big resurgence in popularity which has continued during the decades preceding it.
The outstanding publishing outfit Underworld Amusements released the 90th Anniversary Edition of This Ugly Civilization in 2019, just a year shy of the pandemic that followed in 2020. So, instead of musing over its power and prescience in past usage, I will give my insights into it post-pandemic.
In lieu of mass hysteria, mainstream disinformation, a leaked (man-made) virus, the mere speculation of global realpolitik possibilities and explanations, and a year of total economic and social shutdown, there is plenty one could "chomp the bit on" as the old Anglo-Scot folk saying goes. But I won't dive into any of that. Captain Obvious has no need to make a cameo here.
From the perspective of someone who is a martial artist and fitness enthusiast, I was reaffirmed in my belief that my mind and body are the most important things I possess. Mr. Borsodi is a strong proponent of such as well and during a good portion of the work gives an unflinching criticism on our total reliance on the industrial factory that has led to many avenues of better health...all the while sealing the fates of many to the operating line and, adversely, worse health.
This is probably one of the best and most well-written perspectives I have personally ever read on the topic. Many attempts at the topic usually end up as yellow-journal styled exposes that play on emotional whim rather than detached, but earnest observation. Mr. Borsodi begins with the advent of the factory machine, its immediate and long-term impact on traditional artisans and domestic production, culminating with the logical conclusion of factory production entirely taking over many social/household/familial duties and tasks altogether. I backtrack to this being a "unique" critique because not only are Mr. Borsodi's criticisms pointed and direct, but likewise his optimism for how the factory has HELPED us is direct. Even more optimistic is his belief (made reality thousands of times) that through practical and immediate lifestyle-changes, one can lessen the burden that our modern commercial civilization places upon us.
Alongside these observations are rich, poetic insights into the creative aspect of existence that many have abandoned and how they can be retrieved in spite of herd-consumerist nonsense.
Never gloomy and downtrodden, never reliant on emotionalism or appeals to pity, "Ugly" is a very informative, very doable, thoughtful, and great book. The world may end or it may not (depending on what variation of what is the flavor of the week on the boob tube) but the good life is within grasp!
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Top reviews from other countries
- BlakeReviewed in the United States on 20 February 2022
An insightful, pragmatic and informative corrective to industrial civilization.
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