Christopher Lasch was a public philosopher who critiqued progress from the perspective of history and democracy. He wondered what will happen when neighbourhoods, families, churches and an array of self-governing institutions – the infrastructure that teaches civic virtue - gives way to bureaucratic experiments. The study of history has often brought forth new insights into the modern world and human society. Lasch is one such historian who has taken the lessons of history and applied them to 20th century America. Through critical social analysis, Lasch describes the world as being dominated by self-absorbtion and deep class divisions. In "The Revolt of the Elites and The Betrayal of Democracy", Lasch accuses the upper class of using its intellectual and financial resources for its own gain instead of the betterment of the nation.
"The True and Only Heaven" is a critical reflection on “progress” and a reflection on Lasch's strong belief in traditional family values. He writes that degradation of the family unit in western culture is at the root of many societal issues, and that the weakening of the family allows other powers to influence individuals to a greater degree. Lasch has observed "In the history of civilization . . . vindictive gods give way to gods who show mercy as kill and uphold the morality of loving your enemy. Such a morality has never achieved anything like general popularity, but it lives on, even in our own enlightened age, as a reminder both of our fallen state and of our surprising capacity for gratitude, remorse, and forgiveness, by means of which we now and then transcend it."
Links:
Christopher Lasch: Writing On The Web
Christopher Lasch: Online Resources
A Dialogue With Christopher Lasch
