What do you think?
Rate this book
Western Fundamentalism: Democracy, Sex and the Liberation of Mankind
"If you want to feel smart, read this book" Lewis Jones, PhD Astrophysics
"Unquestioning commitments to democracy, sexual freedom and markets are the hallmarks of Western liberalism. The ways in which this 'fundamentalism' has increasingly come to undermine our thinking about relationships and society are spelt out in this carefully crafted book" Donald Hay, Jesus College, Oxford
"This book helpfully looks behind the stereotyped Left and Right narratives and asks if both sides have adopted a notion of freedom that is so radically individualistic that it may ultimately undermine human flourishing..." Prof Patrick Parkinson, Dean of University of Queensland Law School
Gordon Menzies was in the room as bankers, economists and politicians deregulated the economy in the late twentieth century. And he was personally shaped by a greater cultural deregulation — the sexual revolution. He argues that both changes are part of the same, hard-line movement. As he discovered when he was a student debater at the Oxford Union, many Westerners, on both the Left and the Right, demand an unreflective celebration of democracy, free markets and sexual freedom - which he calls Western Fundamentalism. Its prophets are John Stuart Mill, for his emphasis on freedom, and Friedrich Nietzsche, who argued that the powerful and beautiful have a moral duty to marginalize the weak. Power and beauty are more marketable than their opposites so that a society which submissively follows ‘what the market wants’ aligns itself with Nietzsche’s vision.
At a time when Western economies and families are in flux, he invites us to a vision of intimate and economic relationships that demands higher respect for the human.
Gordon Menzies is a Commonwealth Scholar with a DPhil from Oxford University, and a former member of the Oxford Union debating society. He is an award-winning researcher and educator, and a former economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia.
"Unquestioning commitments to democracy, sexual freedom and markets are the hallmarks of Western liberalism. The ways in which this 'fundamentalism' has increasingly come to undermine our thinking about relationships and society are spelt out in this carefully crafted book" Donald Hay, Jesus College, Oxford
"This book helpfully looks behind the stereotyped Left and Right narratives and asks if both sides have adopted a notion of freedom that is so radically individualistic that it may ultimately undermine human flourishing..." Prof Patrick Parkinson, Dean of University of Queensland Law School
Gordon Menzies was in the room as bankers, economists and politicians deregulated the economy in the late twentieth century. And he was personally shaped by a greater cultural deregulation — the sexual revolution. He argues that both changes are part of the same, hard-line movement. As he discovered when he was a student debater at the Oxford Union, many Westerners, on both the Left and the Right, demand an unreflective celebration of democracy, free markets and sexual freedom - which he calls Western Fundamentalism. Its prophets are John Stuart Mill, for his emphasis on freedom, and Friedrich Nietzsche, who argued that the powerful and beautiful have a moral duty to marginalize the weak. Power and beauty are more marketable than their opposites so that a society which submissively follows ‘what the market wants’ aligns itself with Nietzsche’s vision.
At a time when Western economies and families are in flux, he invites us to a vision of intimate and economic relationships that demands higher respect for the human.
Gordon Menzies is a Commonwealth Scholar with a DPhil from Oxford University, and a former member of the Oxford Union debating society. He is an award-winning researcher and educator, and a former economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia.
- GenresPhilosophyPolitics
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2019
5 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 27, 2021
Gordon has written a fun and engaging page-turner of a book that really challenged my thinking on some issues that I previously didn't really question. A seriously good read!
January 19, 2021
I quite enjoyed this read from Gordon Menzies. This has been a long time in incubation; I read an earlier version more than a dozen years ago, so it's lovely to finally see the work and constant revision which has been birthed with this book.
As an economics prof, Menzies has used his brain to interrogate some hitherto axiomatic assumptions of the West, namely democracy, free market economy, and sex (which he used to term, "coitus uninterruptus"; sadly that term didn't make it into the final version). He has read widely from a dazzling breadth of eras and thinkers, as well as reflecting on issues apparent in the modern zeitgeist.
The two reasons for the four stars, rather than five, were endnotes after each chapter, and the occasionally misfiring cartoons, especially in the democracy chapter. But don't let that dissuade you - read and think hard about this fascinating and incisive book.
As an economics prof, Menzies has used his brain to interrogate some hitherto axiomatic assumptions of the West, namely democracy, free market economy, and sex (which he used to term, "coitus uninterruptus"; sadly that term didn't make it into the final version). He has read widely from a dazzling breadth of eras and thinkers, as well as reflecting on issues apparent in the modern zeitgeist.
The two reasons for the four stars, rather than five, were endnotes after each chapter, and the occasionally misfiring cartoons, especially in the democracy chapter. But don't let that dissuade you - read and think hard about this fascinating and incisive book.
October 2, 2020
The argument of Western Fundamentalism is clear and well explained. It challenges the core beliefs our society prides itself on - which I not only think is very effective; but also very necessary! The notion itself is a personal one: fundamentals are personal - as well as societal. I believe that even if people cannot reconcile with the 3 pillars of Western Fundamentalism - it will at least put into question (dare I say jeopardy) their prior beliefs. Fundamentalism is archetypically associated with Islam - and it's a slap across the face for people who hold this prejudice. I very much enjoyed the writing - the climactic style - which you'd expect from a cross-examiner in Ally McBeal is very dramatic and has a great impact on the reader - we're led into believe things we never would have thought possible.
September 11, 2020
Three reasons I enjoyed this book so much: a) it explores topics I rarely think about or examine, but usually just 'presume about' - topics like a democratic political system, or seeing marriage as a “market” - and from a perspective I am not used to, that of an economist. b) It addresses heavy topics (lots of philosophy) but in really digestible ways, including wit & humour, comics, graphs, personal sharing, different genres mixed in (some poetry!), but mostly prose that is easy to follow and clear. c) it examines and critiques the “unthoughts” of western worldviews from a committed Christian position but in a posture that is relaxed, inquisitive and even, at times, generous to opposing viewpoints.
January 30, 2024
It’s not often I would praise an economist for being concise, engaging and witty but those are all words I would use to describe this piece of brilliance! This book was recommended to me by an economics professor as good food for thought in relation to the behavioural and social aspect of economics and I’m very grateful for that tip! Gordon structures his book chapters just right, enough to make strong points but concise enough to keep the reader engaged. The final chapter brings it together and finishes the book so strongly. A great read.
May 4, 2022
I cannot imagine any person who is genuinely interested in better understanding themselves and society not finding this book to be enlightening.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews