Willing Slaves of Capital

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"Willing Slaves of Capital" is a book written by Frederic Lordon, a French philosopher and economist, originally published in French as "Capitalisme, désir et servitude" in 2010. The English translation by Gabriel Ash was published in 2014. In "Willing Slaves of Capital," Lordon provides a critical analysis of contemporary capitalist society, exploring the ways in which individuals become complicit in and subjugated by the capitalist system. He argues that capitalism operates not only through economic exploitation but also through the manipulation of desire and the production of subjectivity. Lordon draws on insights from psychoanalysis, sociology, and political theory to examine the mechanisms through which capitalism shapes and controls individual desires and behaviors. He explores how consumer culture, advertising, and media influence the way people perceive themselves and their relationships to others, ultimately reinforcing capitalist values and norms. One of the central concepts in the book is the idea of "willing slavery," which refers to the voluntary submission of individuals to the dictates of capitalism, even when it goes against their own interests or desires. Lordon contends that capitalism generates a sense of dependency and conformity that leads people to internalize and reproduce capitalist ideologies and practices. Lordon's analysis extends beyond individual psychology to encompass broader social and political dynamics. He examines the role of institutions, ideologies, and power structures in perpetuating capitalist domination and inequality, and he calls for collective action and resistance to challenge the status quo. "Willing Slaves of Capital" has been praised for its incisive critique of neoliberal capitalism and its thought-provoking insights into the relationship between desire, subjectivity, and social control. Lordon's work continues to inspire discussions and debates about the nature of capitalism and the possibilities for social change in the 21st century.