Man Against Myth

by Barrows Dunham

Man Against Myth is a book written by Barrows Dunham that explores the relationship between human beings and their myths. The author argues that myths are not only a reflection of human nature, but also play a significant role in shaping it. He examines the ways in which myths have been used throughout history to explain and justify human behavior, and how they have been used to manipulate and control people. The book also explores the psychological and emotional impact of myths on individuals and societies, and the ways in which they can be challenged and overcome. Through a combination of philosophical analysis and historical examples, Dunham offers a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the power of myth and its impact on human life. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role of myths in human culture and history.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Philosophy

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1947

About the author

Barrows Dunham (October 10, 1905 – November 19, 1995) was an American author and professor of philosophy. Dunham also gained notoriety as a martyr for academic freedom when he was fired from Temple University in 1953 after refusing to “name names” before the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Reviews

[S.Ach · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an instructive, amusing and courageous book whose success is most desirable in public interest.
~Albert Einstein

In the foreword, the author writes -

The aim of science is to state what actually is the case. Perhaps half the intellectual labour of mankind now goes in this effort. The other half goes into inventing, fostering, and propagating doctrines which express, not reality, but the interest and advantage of powerful groups. Such doctrines, obviously suspect of bias, constitute a sort of social mythology. My intent in this book was to show the myths are myths and bias bias.

With this aim in mind, the author dissects each of those social myths that has been paralyzing human thought process and thwarting its progress. The knife he wields is not that of a butcher, but of a skilled surgeon. In his criticisms, each line is crafted with utmost care, with thought provoking rationale, with common-sense challenging logics, with a wry sense of humour, and possible a tinge of what one might call (as he is accused of) intellectual arrogance. ( Initially, I tried to underline the sentences that I found to be worth remembering, but later abandoned it considering a vain endeavour, lest I would be underlining each line of the book.)
You might disagree with some of the author's views ( and if you do, you won't be in the minority as he has challenged most of commonly believed axioms established by some of the celebrated philosophers like Spencer, Bentham, Descartes, Berkeley, and Kant), but you can't help but be impressed with the author's superior intellectual dialectics. Since the book was written and published in 1947, 2 years post the world saw its worst war, lots of criticism were directed towards the fascist movement.

For all his arguments, he relies on logic, more than facts and figures, which can be deceptive and biased. In the individual essays, he challenges -
• the notion that try you might "you can't change human nature" to a large extent
• the extrapolation of physical evolution of 'survival of the fittest' to social strata of 'the rich are fit and the poor unfit'
• the propagandistic "there are superior and inferior races"
• the unnecessary diplomatic stance of "there are two sides to every question"
• the so-called positive rationalization of "thinking makes it so"
• the belief that "art and politics can't mix"
• the advice "that you have to look out for yourself"
• The semantic argument "that all problems are merely verbal"
• "that words only can't hurt" as much
• And finally "that you can't be safe and free" at the same time

I consider myself lucky and indebted to National Book Trust of India for being able to read this rare but important book, ever published. If there are more interesting critical thinking or analytic philosophy books, I have not read those yet. Now the only question in front of me, how can I lay my hands on Barrows Dunham's other works.

I would read this book once again. And one more time after that.

[Algernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 1947 work by Barrows Dunham holds up remarkably well in 2010.

Dunham was a trained philosopher who felt a responsibility to use philosophy as an instrument for conversation, as a way to help citizens notice and examine the ideas that help or hinder us. The book wields a pin, with enjoyable wit, and pops a number of social myths that have, all the same, endured long after Mr. Dunham.

Myths about human nature, wealth and poverty, racism, the ethic of selfishness, and many more are explored and released in puffs of humor and reason. More importantly, it is an amiable demonstration of the way social myths, unexplored, amass themselves and conceal unambiguous truths about the social arrangements that divide and oppress human beings.

In his own words, introducing the 1962 edition:

"Every one of the myths in this volume has been used, directly or indirectly, to palliate, to excuse, or to justify human slaughter -- the violent extinction, that is to say, not of hundreds of men but of millions. The refutation and abandonment of these myths has thus become necessary to the survival of our race. In so dangerous an epoch of history, one will feel less a civilized Voltairean joy in the extirpation of error than an ardent and hastening wish to save mankind, so far as intellect can save it, by plain exposition of the truth."


Intellect cannot 'save' mankind. The most beautiful and cogent explanation of a myth does not stop the masses from embracing it. This is especially true in an era where, politically, the notion of a consensus reality has been dispensed with, and it is considered part of our politics to choose your own reality. (Dunham does have a chapter on the myth that "thinking makes it so," yet one wonders what he would make of our media culture.)

Until there is a willingness and a courage to try viewing things more as they are, and to learn how to see past our own filters, the mythologizing endures. Precious few are really interested in waking up, and opening up the can of worms of how to use insight and compassion in the world humans have made.

Sadly, Dunham is not here to help us pierce the myth that we can have an infinitely expanding economy on a planet of finite resources. That may be the myth that finally threatens our existence, or exposes us at least to a large reduction of population.

[Siddhartha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philosophy, hard hitting and though provoking, distilled for the layman. . If you picked a random page in the book, you would think you are reading an article in an art magazine...only until you stumble upon a statement that jolts you and wakes you up to the idea being taken up for scrutiny.

And slowly you are drawn in as Dunham dissects the idea and its underpinnings and presents his case for convincing you of its fallibility. It doesn't matter if you agree with his views or not. That should precisely be the least important outcome of reading this book!

[Chandrashekar BC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man against myth talks about myths men are living with. though it was written decades back most of the points are still relevant. All modern man should read this and maybe to ensure the easy access to its contents " Nation Book Trust" has republished it in low-price edition. The best summary I can give about the book is to list the table of its contents....and let the reader to dwell into it......

1. Introduction: Myths and The Philosophers
2. That You Can’t Change human Nature
3. That the Rich Are Fit and The poor Unfit
4. That There Are Superior and Inferior Races
5. That There Are Two Sides to Every Question
6. That Thinking Makes It So
7. That You Cannot Mix art and Politics
8. That You Have to Look Out for Yourself
9. The all Problems Are Merely Verbal
10. That Words Will Never Hurt Me
11. That You Cannot Be Free and Safe

[Chetan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a reasoning mind puts pen to paper on certain select topics. This is exactly how it would look like.

A no nonsense rhetoric, palatable to the acquiescenct mind.

[Mahender Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book .Though written in 1947, it is still very much relevant, rather more relevant in wake of rise of ultra Right and Fascist forces all over the world. The writer debunks many myths which are foundation stones of an exploitative , unequal and thus, violent and instable society.
A way ahead for a society based on values of liberty , equality and fraternity.
Bravo, for your courage and outspoken attitude Professor Burrows Dunham which cost you your job and attracted wrath of surveillance agencies.
.

[Ashish]

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