In Search of Civilization
  • Published: 30 August 2010
  • ISBN: 9780141031064
  • Imprint: Penguin Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 208
  • RRP: $38.00

In Search of Civilization

Remaking a tarnished idea

Formats & editions
EBook
25 Jun 2009
Paperback
30 Aug 2010
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'Lyrical, courageous and uplifting . . . The next move in the realm of ideas is sure to be in favour of just the sort of values Armstrong is championing' Alain de Botton, Observer

What is civilization?
Why do we need it?
And what can civilization offer us in an age of irony?

The idea of civilization is a complex one, tangled up for years in ideas of colonialism and politics. John Armstrong explores the nature and aims of civilization in this elegant and witty book, examining how civilizing forces from the Greeks to the Renaissance have shaped and coloured our ideas of what a Good existence means. Only by bringing conversations about civilization back into our everyday lives, Armstrong reveals, can we rediscover our chance for wisdom and happiness.
  • Published: 30 August 2010
  • ISBN: 9780141031064
  • Imprint: Penguin Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 208
  • RRP: $38.00
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About the author

John Armstrong

Associate Professor John Armstrong is Philosopher-in-Residence at Melbourne Business School and Senior Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor of Melbourne University. Born in Glasgow and educated at Oxford and London, he has lived in Australia since 2001. He is the author of several internationally acclaimed books, including The Secret Power of Beauty, Conditions of Love and Love, Life, Goethe.

Also by John Armstrong

The Armstrongs' A-Z Guide to Life
Conditions of Love
The Way We Played The Game
See all

Praise for In Search of Civilization

A passionate and often very personal defence of civilization's qualities

Financial Times

His style is fluent, his personality engaging, his wit sharp, his mind cultivated and his sensibilities keen

The Times

John Armstrong is a Good Thing . . . determined to return moral philosophy to the intercourse of ordinary people

The Times Higher Education Supplement