The New Vichy Syndrome

Why European Intellectuals Surrender to Barbarism

Nonfiction, History, Western Europe
Cover of the book The New Vichy Syndrome by Theodore Dalrymple, Encounter Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Theodore Dalrymple ISBN: 9781594035678
Publisher: Encounter Books Publication: November 1, 2011
Imprint: Encounter Books Language: English
Author: Theodore Dalrymple
ISBN: 9781594035678
Publisher: Encounter Books
Publication: November 1, 2011
Imprint: Encounter Books
Language: English
Western Europe is in a strangely neurotic condition of being smug and terrified at the same time. On the one hand, Europeans believe they have at last created an ideal social and political system in which man can live comfortably. In many ways, things have never been better on the old continent. On the other hand, there is growing anxiety that Europe is quickly falling behind in an aggressive, globalized world. Europe is at the forefront of nothing, its demographics are rapidly transforming in unsettling ways, and the ancient threat of barbarian invasion has resurfaced in a fresh manifestation.

In The New Vichy Syndrome, Theodore Dalrymple traces this malaise back to the great conflicts of the last century and their devastating effects upon the European psyche. From issues of religion, class, colonialism, and nationalism, Europeans hold a “miserablist” view of their history, one that alternates between indifference and outright contempt of the past. Today’s Europeans no longer believe in anything but personal economic security, an increased standard of living, shorter working hours, and long vacations in exotic locales.

The result, Dalrymple asserts, is an unwillingness to preserve European achievements and the dismantling of western culture by Europeans themselves. As vapid hedonism and aggressive Islamism fill this cultural void, Europeans have no one else to blame for their plight.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Western Europe is in a strangely neurotic condition of being smug and terrified at the same time. On the one hand, Europeans believe they have at last created an ideal social and political system in which man can live comfortably. In many ways, things have never been better on the old continent. On the other hand, there is growing anxiety that Europe is quickly falling behind in an aggressive, globalized world. Europe is at the forefront of nothing, its demographics are rapidly transforming in unsettling ways, and the ancient threat of barbarian invasion has resurfaced in a fresh manifestation.

In The New Vichy Syndrome, Theodore Dalrymple traces this malaise back to the great conflicts of the last century and their devastating effects upon the European psyche. From issues of religion, class, colonialism, and nationalism, Europeans hold a “miserablist” view of their history, one that alternates between indifference and outright contempt of the past. Today’s Europeans no longer believe in anything but personal economic security, an increased standard of living, shorter working hours, and long vacations in exotic locales.

The result, Dalrymple asserts, is an unwillingness to preserve European achievements and the dismantling of western culture by Europeans themselves. As vapid hedonism and aggressive Islamism fill this cultural void, Europeans have no one else to blame for their plight.

More books from Encounter Books

Cover of the book Thanksgiving by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book A Time for Governing by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book Scorched Worth by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book I Can't Believe I'm Sitting Next to a Republican by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book The Nixon Effect by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book The Lives of the Constitution by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book Work in the Age of Robots by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book Terms of Engagement by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book Obama's Radical Transformation of America: Year One by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book The Truth About the IRS Scandals by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book What Doomed Detroit by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book Social Justice Isn't What You Think It Is by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book What Adam Smith Knew by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book Common Core: Yea & Nay by Theodore Dalrymple
Cover of the book A Century of Palestinian Rejectionism and Jew Hatred by Theodore Dalrymple
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