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Against the Machine

On the Unmaking of Humanity

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Against the Machine

By: Paul Kingsnorth
Narrated by: Owen Hall
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

How a force that’s hard to name, but which we all feel, is reshaping what it means to be human

In Against the Machine, “furiously gifted” (The Washington Post) novelist, poet, and essayist Paul Kingsnorth presents a wholly original—and terrifying—account of the technological-cultural matrix enveloping all of us. With insight into the spiritual and economic roots of techno-capitalism, Kingsnorth reveals how the Machine, in the name of progress, has choked Western civilization, is destroying the Earth itself, and is reshaping us in its image. From the First Industrial Revolution to the rise of artificial intelligence, he shows how the hollowing out of humanity has been a long game—and how your very soul is at stake.

It takes effort to remain truly human in the age of the Machine. Here Kingsnorth reminds us what humanity requires: a healthy suspicion of entrenched power; connection to land, nature and heritage; and a deep attention to matters of the spirit. Prophetic and poetic, Against the Machine is a spiritual manual for dissidents in the technological age.

© Paul Kingsnorth 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

 History & Culture Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government Society Technology & Society Capitalism Socialism
All stars
Most relevant
The book provided a number of thoughts which I am finding useful in looking at and understanding the modern world.

Insightful

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Ambitious, bleak, compelling.
It introduced a raft of writers and thought I will be investigating, and has articulated my swirling mental discomfort. Do I agree with it all? No, but that’s not the point of the book. This is a good book to make you think and take notice.

Thought provoking and well researched

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Notwithstanding some dubious theories, an interesting and generally rousing call to arms. He writes well, though seems a little closed off— if we are to fight the battle he is suggesting i think we need to engage more in the world we live in. But agree with the sentiment.

Not for everyone but overall i agree

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This is a timely book that should be heard far and wide. A passionate and courageous witness of the crisis of our times. One of the best books I have read on this subject.

Articulate and arresting warning about the true state of our culture

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Resistance is futile? There is always a way. perhaps nomads are on to something 👍

The Borg!

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