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33 Myths of the System
A radical guide to the entire civilised system in its final, most developed form. 33 Myths of the System takes apart the fabrications of all the ideologies and religions of the system, exposing the iniquitous fictions at the heart of socialism, capitalism, professionalism, postmodernism, economics, psychology, all forms of technocratic progress and the anti-culture that the system presents to us as meaning.
204 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 29, 2019
Not since I came across Robert Anton Wilson - and subsequently Tim Leary, Terrence McKenna, Aleister Crowley, Idries Shah, Sufism, Gurdjieff, Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson, Psychedelics, Magick, and all the other sinful, 'wickedest men in the world', and the typical vagabond-gang of heretics RAW tends to lead to for mushroom-proselytizing and subsequently ayahuasca-initiating adolescent unrepentant anarchists - has a book more authentically, more book-ily, more zinging and pinging with belly laughs-ingly, with more useful and life-leading footnotes and references to authors I really should have known and read but hadn't and have since begun rectifying-ly - tickled my 'well thank Goddess somebody has written all this down so I don't have to' bone.
Heterodox, true, unflinching and blue-ballsing funny to boot, this book is nothing short of a fucking apocalypse, an unveiling, a re-velation and revel-eating magnum opus of emoto-reasoning in which is explained in excruciatingly easy to read and handily digestible chapters just exactly how terminally screwed the current effort at Being Human has turned out.
The non-point of the whole exercise is to argue with it until you are exhausted enough to, however grudgingly, accept the inevitable; and in this it is marvellously succesful.
Also, it is rather absurdly given away for free. I found this so offensive I tracked the author down on Twitter and insisted on paying some monies for it, and the splendid fellow entered into some correspondence on t'Internet.
The price is right, kids. I double dare you.
Heterodox, true, unflinching and blue-ballsing funny to boot, this book is nothing short of a fucking apocalypse, an unveiling, a re-velation and revel-eating magnum opus of emoto-reasoning in which is explained in excruciatingly easy to read and handily digestible chapters just exactly how terminally screwed the current effort at Being Human has turned out.
The non-point of the whole exercise is to argue with it until you are exhausted enough to, however grudgingly, accept the inevitable; and in this it is marvellously succesful.
Also, it is rather absurdly given away for free. I found this so offensive I tracked the author down on Twitter and insisted on paying some monies for it, and the splendid fellow entered into some correspondence on t'Internet.
The price is right, kids. I double dare you.
February 25, 2019
One of the most important, striking and frightening books I have read in some time.
The rest of this review will be an attempt to fit this book neatly into preconceived and boxed up categories, because that is the only way I - that is, the Self - can deal with it without tearing my clothes off and running into the golden sunlight currently dripping out of the blue winter sky.
I have been telling pretty much anyone that would listen to me for the past couple of years that Mark Fisher's Capitalist Realism is a must read for anyone living, and at least partially awake, in the early 21st century. This book will now be my follow up to anyone that comes back and thanks me for the initial recommendation. Not because this books is not as good but because many people, I fear, would not be able to handle 33 Myths of the System. Despite widely agreeing and nodding away to most of the text I was also made thoroughly uncomfortable by it.
In Mark Fisher's critique of capitalism (as well as his other work) he quietly seduces the reader into a state of despair about our current political and cultural situation whilst intermittently treating you (self) with morsels of sharp pop culture analyses. Darren Allen takes a broader and more direct approach, firstly critiquing The System as a whole as opposed to one ideological tenet of it and he does so by slapping your right across the face into a state of utter dissent. I am quite sure if it was possible to condense the experience of the hours it took me to read this book into 1 second it would feel almost exactly as if I had been slapped round the face. Although sometimes you need a good slap in order to wake you from your stupor. In this sense Allen's writing style reminds me of Robert Anton Wilson's more aggressive acts of guerilla ontology but without as many laughing Buddha japes alongside them to ease the discomfort. However, there does seem to be laughing Buddha shining through, sitting behind the author's caustic analysis of the world we live in, that I imagine might show more of itself in the follow up book 33 Myths of the Ego. I look forward to reading that.
I first found Darren Allen through some anarchist message board linking me to the article which finishes this book Anarchism at the End of the World. I was delighted to have found someone who blends a sense of Consciousness with their politics. I spent a long while scouring his website for more offerings. I was already reminded of Robert Anton Wilson, although Allen doesn't seem to cite him anywhere as an influence. Perhaps it is just that they have some things in common; both of them promoting consciousness expansion and politically aligning tentatively with Anarchism. Or perhaps it was that same feeling I got when I first read RAW; someone so eloquently explaining all of these unspoken (and often unthought) feelings that I have been harbouring for so many years.
The rest of this review will be an attempt to fit this book neatly into preconceived and boxed up categories, because that is the only way I - that is, the Self - can deal with it without tearing my clothes off and running into the golden sunlight currently dripping out of the blue winter sky.
I have been telling pretty much anyone that would listen to me for the past couple of years that Mark Fisher's Capitalist Realism is a must read for anyone living, and at least partially awake, in the early 21st century. This book will now be my follow up to anyone that comes back and thanks me for the initial recommendation. Not because this books is not as good but because many people, I fear, would not be able to handle 33 Myths of the System. Despite widely agreeing and nodding away to most of the text I was also made thoroughly uncomfortable by it.
In Mark Fisher's critique of capitalism (as well as his other work) he quietly seduces the reader into a state of despair about our current political and cultural situation whilst intermittently treating you (self) with morsels of sharp pop culture analyses. Darren Allen takes a broader and more direct approach, firstly critiquing The System as a whole as opposed to one ideological tenet of it and he does so by slapping your right across the face into a state of utter dissent. I am quite sure if it was possible to condense the experience of the hours it took me to read this book into 1 second it would feel almost exactly as if I had been slapped round the face. Although sometimes you need a good slap in order to wake you from your stupor. In this sense Allen's writing style reminds me of Robert Anton Wilson's more aggressive acts of guerilla ontology but without as many laughing Buddha japes alongside them to ease the discomfort. However, there does seem to be laughing Buddha shining through, sitting behind the author's caustic analysis of the world we live in, that I imagine might show more of itself in the follow up book 33 Myths of the Ego. I look forward to reading that.
I first found Darren Allen through some anarchist message board linking me to the article which finishes this book Anarchism at the End of the World. I was delighted to have found someone who blends a sense of Consciousness with their politics. I spent a long while scouring his website for more offerings. I was already reminded of Robert Anton Wilson, although Allen doesn't seem to cite him anywhere as an influence. Perhaps it is just that they have some things in common; both of them promoting consciousness expansion and politically aligning tentatively with Anarchism. Or perhaps it was that same feeling I got when I first read RAW; someone so eloquently explaining all of these unspoken (and often unthought) feelings that I have been harbouring for so many years.
October 12, 2020
Well written completely anarchistic conspiracist unscientific BS.
February 1, 2019
Along side Darren Allen's The Apocalypedia, 33 Myths of the System has been one of the most impactful books of my life. Not only a radical critique of the system but a new way to see your self. A funny, frank and fresh examination of reality.
June 10, 2024
To reciprocate the author's generosity of providing the book for free , I will go with four stars.
I do have some important quibbles with the author about his sometimes false equivocation of extreme left & extreme right politics. I understand that to contrast one's own politics or just to make a point, one might sometimes feel compelled to sparingly use broad totalizing generalisations/critiques, yet the both sides argument is off-putting when I know from reading the author himself that he definitely knows better & possess the important distinguishing nuance to not put such statements right along side his other interesting arguments. It undermines the credibility of an otherwise excellent book. Unfortunately this is not just done once but many times.
Having said all that , I did recommend this book to my friends. It is very readable & is an important book.
Lastly ,the Marxist conception of ultimate communism & the anarchists notion of ideal societal organisation can hardly be differentiated in terms of end goal, even though the paths to achieving that said goal can be & must be critiqued. This similarity matters and so does the difference.
Socialism for all it's problems is a means to an end & thus not in any way shape or form akin to fascism ( which is a means to nowhere) or even its left equivalent and neither are cancel culture sjws for all their faults the left equivalent of racist/fascist goon squads. Identitarian struggles to me are a dead end yet the distinction is extremely important.
I do have some important quibbles with the author about his sometimes false equivocation of extreme left & extreme right politics. I understand that to contrast one's own politics or just to make a point, one might sometimes feel compelled to sparingly use broad totalizing generalisations/critiques, yet the both sides argument is off-putting when I know from reading the author himself that he definitely knows better & possess the important distinguishing nuance to not put such statements right along side his other interesting arguments. It undermines the credibility of an otherwise excellent book. Unfortunately this is not just done once but many times.
Having said all that , I did recommend this book to my friends. It is very readable & is an important book.
Lastly ,the Marxist conception of ultimate communism & the anarchists notion of ideal societal organisation can hardly be differentiated in terms of end goal, even though the paths to achieving that said goal can be & must be critiqued. This similarity matters and so does the difference.
Socialism for all it's problems is a means to an end & thus not in any way shape or form akin to fascism ( which is a means to nowhere) or even its left equivalent and neither are cancel culture sjws for all their faults the left equivalent of racist/fascist goon squads. Identitarian struggles to me are a dead end yet the distinction is extremely important.
August 18, 2025
My second time reading this book.
"Many people refuse entirely to engage with politics, never read the news, and believe that, on every subject that comes under the rubric of 'politics'-such as immigration, social class,health,education or work-there is very little to say, as it is all complete and utter bullshit. This is pretty much an anarchist position."
Clearly, part of the message of this book is that the world is in such a horrible state that one is wasting their time with voting or thinking that any kind of reforms, regardless of the system they live under , will make any kind of real difference as to the sustainability of life on this planet.
"Many people refuse entirely to engage with politics, never read the news, and believe that, on every subject that comes under the rubric of 'politics'-such as immigration, social class,health,education or work-there is very little to say, as it is all complete and utter bullshit. This is pretty much an anarchist position."
Clearly, part of the message of this book is that the world is in such a horrible state that one is wasting their time with voting or thinking that any kind of reforms, regardless of the system they live under , will make any kind of real difference as to the sustainability of life on this planet.
April 5, 2025
This is one of the most bizarre, eye-opening, radical, yet accurate books you will ever read.
Darren Allen is able to rise above the biases found in anyone who considers himself left-wing or right-wing, atheist or religious, and to simply call out the system what it really is: a dystopian prison.
His ideas make a lot of sense if you simply compare modern society to our ancestral way of living, the time before civilization (somewhere between 12000 to 15000 years ago). All the lies, propaganda, nonsense, and mental illnesses that are prevalent in our minds and societies are all exposed.
The writing is a bit messy at times, it won't be the easiest read ever. However, the underlying message, the examples given, and the humor used more than make up for it.
This book is a must-read for anyone who is brave enough to seriously question the state of modern society - the system as a whole.
Darren Allen is able to rise above the biases found in anyone who considers himself left-wing or right-wing, atheist or religious, and to simply call out the system what it really is: a dystopian prison.
His ideas make a lot of sense if you simply compare modern society to our ancestral way of living, the time before civilization (somewhere between 12000 to 15000 years ago). All the lies, propaganda, nonsense, and mental illnesses that are prevalent in our minds and societies are all exposed.
The writing is a bit messy at times, it won't be the easiest read ever. However, the underlying message, the examples given, and the humor used more than make up for it.
This book is a must-read for anyone who is brave enough to seriously question the state of modern society - the system as a whole.
Read
May 14, 2024Anyone serious would do well to read this book alongside Godfree Roberts' Why China Leads the World: they present antithetical visions of the world of humanity, and do so through argumentation that is thorough. Together, they provide one of the greatest gifts a man can wish for: a problem that is purely intellectual, of great significance, and refusing to vanish under brief efforts to solve it.
Of course, it's really odd that Darren Allen can write how prehistoric people lived without "fear of tomorrow, the profound and widespread care, anxiety, and worry that modern men and women are burdened with," despite acknowledging that the childhood mortality rates were extremely high.
It's odd, until one recalls that both books wear their biases on the sleeve, and that it is actually welcome.
Of course, it's really odd that Darren Allen can write how prehistoric people lived without "fear of tomorrow, the profound and widespread care, anxiety, and worry that modern men and women are burdened with," despite acknowledging that the childhood mortality rates were extremely high.
It's odd, until one recalls that both books wear their biases on the sleeve, and that it is actually welcome.
September 2, 2023
A paradigm shifting book for me. Most of the book is a separate chapter undermining an individual myth of modernity (democracy, work, etc) and I thought that was all it would be. It was rather depressing while also being entertaining and scathing. BUT THEN the final two chapters are complete eviscerations of modern life the likes of which I've never read, detailing a near future of pure ennui. It is not just an indictment, which is all too often the case, but ALSO a rudimentary guide to anarchism: what it means and how to achieve it. A must read for anyone who despises all forms of 'politics'.
August 16, 2020
In the words of Wittgenstein "This book will perhaps only be understood(read appreciated) by those who have themselves already thought the thoughts which are expressed in it—or similar thoughts."
The views of the book are certainly a bit "out there". The only other book I have read that sits in the same genre as this one is the infamous "Unabomber manifesto". At times, it is extremely coherent and witty. At other times, it is tedious and repetitive. Certainly not the kind of text that can be taken in all at once. However, if read with patience and an open mind, it IS indeed quite a read.
The views of the book are certainly a bit "out there". The only other book I have read that sits in the same genre as this one is the infamous "Unabomber manifesto". At times, it is extremely coherent and witty. At other times, it is tedious and repetitive. Certainly not the kind of text that can be taken in all at once. However, if read with patience and an open mind, it IS indeed quite a read.
October 12, 2021
An excellent book for reading in short bursts but the last ten percent or so,tying things up pretty neatly, is worth more sustained attention. The content can be hit or miss, depending on whether the ideas explored are new to you or not. There’s relatively little original here, but it’s a very capable synthesis. The material on Psychology is rather hackneyed, Szasz recycled essentially. Some authorial pomposity here and there too, so 4.5/5 rounded down. A very worthwhile read despite my cavils.
October 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Some of the material was challenging and I didn't exactly agree with everything, but it did make me re-consider a lot of my own ideas and actions. Also, the footnotes are a great jumping-off point to explore many of the ideas further. I can't wait for the next book (33 myths of the Ego). Darren Allen is a great writer and has a knack for breaking down complex and ephemeral topics into digestible chunks without watering down the message. Highly recommended!
July 9, 2021
Essential reading. This isn't just a rant about how terrible everything is. Allen also includes excellent ideas about how things could be done differently. Full review here: https://jessicadavidson.co.uk/2020/09...
July 11, 2022
counterrevolutionary garbage. listing real, interconnected issues under neoliberalism (highest stage of capitalism), but stops all people-power building potential with Joe Rogan-esque bro-y populist writing style. real anarchists would never fall for this, this is CIA counterinsurgency
November 26, 2022
4.5 stars
A VERY heavy read and the author’s writing style can sometimes tend to run on, but overall presented some amazing and mind opening concepts with basic truths of existence that many of us have likely forgotten.
A VERY heavy read and the author’s writing style can sometimes tend to run on, but overall presented some amazing and mind opening concepts with basic truths of existence that many of us have likely forgotten.
April 2, 2019
Revolutionary, consciousness-widening, nature loving, foundational.
July 26, 2022
Outstanding!! Everyone should read this! Visit the authors website www.expressiveegg.org
January 5, 2024
Read it and weep.
April 7, 2022
I agree with most of what the author was trying to say/prove/argue. It was very eye-opening and insightful. This book is aware of itself and its surroundings, but ironically it was also unaware of how those systems came to be in the first place and why it was idealized, enforced, and established. While we dream and wait for an anarchist end to all the means, a reset if you will, how do we as a species known for our flawed track record sustain it? Our history is just a cycle of rise-peak-fall of systems. Systems that, in due time, we tend to add and subtract. We set a few agreeable ideas and call it another name for us to move forward (or backward). Granted, there is always some fuck-o or a group of them (there always is, that's why we can't have nice things) who will ruin it for the rest of us. All this paragon structure that initially took hold will eventually fall in their favor. What we can use, we always abuse, right? And to quote a song "We didn't start the fire, It was always burning, since the world's been turning... No, we didn't light it, but we tried to fight it." We all inherit the mistakes and sins of our ancestors. The best we could do is to work with what we've got, change what we could within our limited time and resources, and try to survive another day so that we could pass on the torch to those who could fix it, and the very least held all the assholes responsible for the crimes against humanity accountable.
And if we wait for nature to take hold to punish/reward us, aren't we forgetting that we are all part of nature too? We are the problems manifest. We are the plastics in the ocean. So we move as we are. Our nature is just to exist one way or another, it's just a question of how. On the how we really got scary creative in that department.
Though some parts of this book might have flown past me, I still recommend this. As I'm not a philosopher, I can only use one nihilist brain cell at a time.
4 stars.
And if we wait for nature to take hold to punish/reward us, aren't we forgetting that we are all part of nature too? We are the problems manifest. We are the plastics in the ocean. So we move as we are. Our nature is just to exist one way or another, it's just a question of how. On the how we really got scary creative in that department.
Though some parts of this book might have flown past me, I still recommend this. As I'm not a philosopher, I can only use one nihilist brain cell at a time.
4 stars.
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