Subjugate the Earth
- date of publication: 26.09.2022
- 368 Pages
- Hanser Verlag
- hardcover
- ISBN 978-3-446-27421-1
- Deutschland: 28,00 €
- Österreich: 28,80 €
- ePUB-Format
- E-Book ISBN 978-3-446-27676-5
- E-Book Deutschland: 20,99 €
Philipp Blom’s global history of nature’s subjugation
Where does our obsession to dominate nature come from? The story of an idea that is destroying the planet
Humanity must learn that nature does not owe it a service
A global history from ancient times to the present day
“And replenish the Earth and subdue it,” says the author of the book of Genesis around 3,000 years ago, putting these words into the mouth of the Creator. And so began the idea that humanity has a special place on Earth and is allowed to use its resources with impunity. It was such a strong idea that it spread throughout the world. Whoever resisted had to fight colonisers and businesspeople appealing to higher ideals. In his universal history of the environment, Phillip Blom tells the story of nature’s subjugation, the consequences of which are propelling the world today towards the edge of collapse. We need to free ourselves from our insistence on superiority over nature if we are to survive.
“Like always with Blom: impressively good and convincing writing.”
Rainer Volk, SWR
"Blom's book comes at just the right time. On one level, it gets to the heart of the current mood, sums up the social science discussion and consolidates the history of Western philosophical discourse on the relationship between humans and the environment. On another, the author explores the political economy with the keyword capitalism. That is a lot and instructive. One gains much by reading this book."
Urs Hafner, NZZ am Sonntag
"Only if humanity frees itself from the delusion of being above nature does it stand a chance. Historian Philipp Blom is convinced of this. He calls for a new Copernican Revolution."
Christoph Arens, KNA
"To confront man with his own hubris without any pesky kid gloves is an essential part of Blom's achievement. In order to topple us from our thrones, elegantly rather than brutally, and put us in our proper place."
Sylvie-Sophie Schindler, Der Freitag
"The book offers a highly interesting and insightful read. Fascinating and multifaceted."
Dagmar Röhrlich, Deutschlandfunk
Foreign Sales
Italy (Marsilio), The Netherlands (Bezige Bij), Spain (Anagrama), US/UK (Polity)