The Signs of Our Time: The Secret Meanings of Everyday Life

by Jack Solomon

An entertaining and engrossing look, on the basis of the science of semiotics, at the many symbols and descriptive phrases used in today's society to cover or distort meaning. "Engaging, informative, provocative."--Psychology Today

Genres: Nonfiction

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Emmy Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person open to conspiratorial perspectives, I was going into this book expecting a lot of opinion and perhaps leaps as far as facts go? That is not what I was met with. First of all, this book came out in 1988 and I read it in 2024 - so I was able to see this writers long predictions played out in genuine real time. I spent much of my time while reading underlining and annotating saying "Wow, you definitely see the truth of that in today's age." I would totally recommend this book - if you can find it. My only reason for a lower star is that some of the cultural references were lost on me due to the large gap in publication and when I was able to read it.

[Samuel Saul Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚 #12 (1990)

Very interesting book that I've had on my shelf for the longest time without any idea where it came from. Before this I knew nothing about the field of semiotics but now it is one of interest to me. This book addresses things that we may not even think about. Why is gold considered valuable? Why do we draw the line where we do between edible and inedible foods? Why does the concept of 'childhood' exist (it is relatively new)?

I would recommend, though keep it mind that it is a little dated.

#books #selftaughtphilosophy #semiotics

[Angel Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Least fave chapters: 8 (on food), 9 (on fashion), and parts of 6 (Architecture)

I enjoyed the chapter on postmodernism (11), toys (5), and the first 3 set up chapters.

[Alan Eyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished. Good intro to semiotics.