In the 20th century, Western humanity attempted to "fly to the sun" by pursuing grand utopian ideologies, including Marxist communism and the belief in inevitable, limitless progress. Delsol argues that these attempts to master existence and create a "perfect" society eventually failed, leading to a catastrophic "fall" back to earth.
Icarus Fallen: The Search for Meaning in an Uncertain World , French philosopher Chantal Delsol chantal del sol icarus fallenpdf
Delsol argues that for the last two centuries, Western society believed it could radically transform humanity through inevitable progress and scientific mastery. Having realized these were "empty promises," modern man now finds himself in a "joyless quest for joy," where the pursuit of entertainment has replaced the pursuit of meaning. Key themes explored in the text include: In the 20th century, Western humanity attempted to
The figure opened its mouth. A chorus of synthesized voices came out, layered over each other—a hundred drones speaking as one. “Chantal. You found the file. You were supposed to burn it.” Having realized these were "empty promises," modern man
Footsteps echoed from the plaza’s edge. She had expected guards; she had not expected the figure that stepped forward: a man in a coat scoured of color, an old soldier with a jaw like broken stone. He smiled, and it was as tired as the city.