Fighting for Life

Contest, Sexuality, and Consciousness

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Men&, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Theory
Cover of the book Fighting for Life by Walter J. Ong, Cornell University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Walter J. Ong ISBN: 9780801466281
Publisher: Cornell University Press Publication: February 14, 2013
Imprint: Cornell University Press Language: English
Author: Walter J. Ong
ISBN: 9780801466281
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Publication: February 14, 2013
Imprint: Cornell University Press
Language: English

What accounts for the popularity of the macho image, the fanaticism of sports enthusiasts, and the perennial appeal of Don Quixote's ineffectual struggles? In Fighting for Life, Walter J. Ong addresses these and related questions, offering insight into the role of competition in human existence. Focusing on the ways in which human life is affected by contest, Ong argues that the male agonistic drive finds an outlet in games as divergent as football and chess.

Demonstrating the importance of contest in biological evolution and in the growth of consciousness out of the unconscious, Ong also shows how adversary procedure has affected social, linguistic, and intellectual history. He discusses shifting patterns of contest in such arenas as spectator sports, politics, business, academia, and religion. Human beings' internalization of agonistic drives, he concludes, can foster the deeper discovery of the self and of distinctively human freedom.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

What accounts for the popularity of the macho image, the fanaticism of sports enthusiasts, and the perennial appeal of Don Quixote's ineffectual struggles? In Fighting for Life, Walter J. Ong addresses these and related questions, offering insight into the role of competition in human existence. Focusing on the ways in which human life is affected by contest, Ong argues that the male agonistic drive finds an outlet in games as divergent as football and chess.

Demonstrating the importance of contest in biological evolution and in the growth of consciousness out of the unconscious, Ong also shows how adversary procedure has affected social, linguistic, and intellectual history. He discusses shifting patterns of contest in such arenas as spectator sports, politics, business, academia, and religion. Human beings' internalization of agonistic drives, he concludes, can foster the deeper discovery of the self and of distinctively human freedom.

More books from Cornell University Press

Cover of the book Reckoning with Homelessness by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book Encountering Religion in the Workplace by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book Curse on This Country by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book Between Two Motherlands by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book In the Shadow of FDR by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book Russia on the Edge by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book The East Country by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book Freedom Burning by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book Voices in the Band by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book Earth by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book Eating Beauty by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book The Peace Puzzle by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book The Sanctity of Louis IX by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book Bedside Manners by Walter J. Ong
Cover of the book The Fleeting Promise of Art by Walter J. Ong
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy