Misanthropy The Critique of Humanity

This book is the first major study of the theme of misanthropy, its history, arguments for and against it, and its importance for us today. Misanthropy is not strictly a Philosophy, it is an inconsistent thought that has often been mocked. But from Timon of Athens to Motörhead it has proven durable and irresistible, and attracted a huge range of fascinating figures. Human beings have always deeply distrusted who and what they are. This book does not seek to explain that distrust away or pour scorn on it. It asks, instead, how far misanthropy might have reason on its side -albeit a confused reason- with more appeal than many people might have first supposed.