Bernard Stiegler explores the intricate relationship between technology, culture, and human development. His work examines how our understanding of ourselves and society is continually reshaped by technological innovations. Stiegler's approach is deeply philosophical, analyzing the consequences of modern technologies on the formation of human memory, identity, and collective futures. He emphasizes a critical evaluation of technological change and its impact on generational continuity and upbringing.
Delving into the intersections of photography and spiritualism, this exploration reveals Arthur Conan Doyle's significant engagement with these themes. The book examines how Doyle, famed for his detective stories, also became a prominent figure in the spiritualist movement, utilizing photography to capture and validate supernatural phenomena. Through a detailed analysis, it uncovers the complexities of his beliefs and the role of visual media in shaping public perception of the paranormal during his time.
Armchair travel may seem contradictory, as it typically suggests leaving home. Yet, anyone who has immersed themselves in a novel or film knows the sensation of exploring a different place or time without moving an inch. This accessible form of travel requires no passport or security checks. In this work, Bernd Stiegler celebrates the magic of armchair travel through twenty-one short chapters, starting with Xavier de Maistre’s 1794 account of his forty-two-day “journey around his room” during house arrest. Stiegler is captivated by the idea of viewing the familiar as if it were new and strange. He engages with a diverse range of writers, including Roussel, Beckett, Perec, Robbe-Grillet, Cortázar, Kierkegaard, and Borges, who illustrate how the mundane can be transformed into something extraordinary. Rather than focusing solely on physical travel, Stiegler emphasizes travel as a state of mind, reflecting on how the experience has evolved in modern times through literature, film, and the Internet. Reminiscent of Sebald's meditative style yet infused with Calvino's intellectual playfulness, this work serves as a creative guide to exploring the concept of journeying from the comfort of home.
