Speed and Politics

"Speed and Politics" is an insightful post-modern examination into what I call 'exponential progress'. In one part, Virilio suggests that since society is increasingly less patient (mostly as a result of technology), people in general are less willing to spend the time to read or investigate their oppressive situations (probably because they were overly busy shopping and thinking about the next best and greatest thing to own) and, as such, require a quick dose of knowledge. To do this, the philosopher/politician/revolutionary must boil down the essence of an idea and serve it before the attention of the people diminishes into thoughtless, emotion-driven consumption once again. The book is short. However, each sentence has the brilliance of two pages. Read slow.

I found this was a very interesting series of interviews with Foucault by a journalist from the Italian Communist Party. His discussions about social change and marxism were enlightening. I think this kind of interview format offers a refreshing and different perspective on his work compaired reading his books.

I agree entirely with the reviewer from SUNY. There is so much secondary literature on Foucault precisely because so many are looking to appropriate the fashion of his name to any bastardized cause celebre. This clear, concise, and challenging little book presents a better introduction to Foucault's thinking than all of the secondary and tertiary literature combined.

Absolutely the best short introduction to Foucault's way of thinking and his reasons for doing so. Unfortunately, few in the "post-modern" camp really know anything about the man's work, no matter how much they read.