The Rules Of Chaos; Or, Why Tomorrow Doesn't Work

by Stephen Vizinczey

"Nearly all our miseries in life come from our false notions of what is actually happening to us," writes Stendhal, "thus to judge events sanely is a great step toward happiness." This observation is the key to Stephen Vizinczey's new book, which confronts disasters as diverse as sexual confusions, wars, and the destruction of our environment ("both private neurosis and public horror") and traces them to the dominant presumption that men can determine the results of their actions. From an incisive account of how chance works and why we fail to grant chance its due, the author is able to explain, among other things, how a big country can be defeated by a small country. His profound analysis of the myth and the real nature of power culminates in the discovery of its growth Power weakens as it grows. The Rules of Chaos is the most significant recent contribution to an understanding of history and individual destiny. especially relevant for Americans today. It has been written by a brilliant novelist, whose style is characterized as Nortrop Frye said, by "great lucidity and charm" and "an astonishing number of overtones," and who manages to be irreverent and serious, penetrating and amusing at the same time. Originally published in England last year, The Rules of Chaos prompted The Guardian to describe Vizinczey as "a natural entertainer - a man who has the girt of holding his reader's deepest attention." His premise that "the decisive cause of every event is pure chance" is the basis of a compelling new argument for individual morality and freedom.

Genres: Fiction, Philosophy, Literature

First published April 1, 1969

About the author

Hungarian author who studied under George Lukacs at the University of Budapest and graduated from the city's Academy of Theatre and Film Arts in 1956. Three of his plays were banned by the Hungarian Communist regime and in he took part in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. After a short stay in Italy, he ended up in Canada speaking only 50 words of English, and eventually taking Canadian citizenship. He learned English writing scripts for Canada's National Film Board and the CBC. He edited Canada's short-lived literary magazine, Exchange. In 1966 he moved to London and acquired British citizenship.

His best-known works are the novels 'In Praise of Older Women' (1965) and 'An Innocent Millionaire' (1983).

Vizinczey has also written two books of literary, philosophical and political essays: 'The Rules of Chaos' (1969) and 'Truth and Lies in Literature' (1985).

Reviews

[Frank Karioris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An odd book, to say the least, there are many things to object to and agree with here. For a fascinating view of a writing writing writing for writers and readers, it is to be praised. Stretching boundary zones, It will simultaneously take people off guard and have them finding it off putting.

[Jillian Morgan]

Philosophical; Very strong remarks in the beginning so far on how there is no way to cause anything to happen...basically, there is an infinite number of ways any situation can turn out, so we are deceiving ourselves if we plan. Interesting thoughts in between lines like these, though.