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A Treatise on Possibility
A Treatise on Possibility: Perspectives on Humanity Hereafter by Rou Reynolds is a companion guide to the critically acclaimed sixth Enter Shikari album Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible.
Human possibility. If we get our act together, our long-term potential is virtually infinite. And infinitely beautiful. But currently humanity is being guided not by wisdom, cooperation and self-reflection but by archaic systems and false assumptions. There are warning signs everywhere: ecological destruction, mental health crises, and obscene levels of inequality.
At a time when quite literally Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible, Rou Reynolds has gone in deep, head first, exploring the predicaments of modernity. Using his lyrics to navigate the complicated web of problems, he arrives on the other side with his Treatise on Possibility. Hard-hitting and thought provoking, this is a unique perspective on humanity as we approach a point of great change.
Human possibility. If we get our act together, our long-term potential is virtually infinite. And infinitely beautiful. But currently humanity is being guided not by wisdom, cooperation and self-reflection but by archaic systems and false assumptions. There are warning signs everywhere: ecological destruction, mental health crises, and obscene levels of inequality.
At a time when quite literally Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible, Rou Reynolds has gone in deep, head first, exploring the predicaments of modernity. Using his lyrics to navigate the complicated web of problems, he arrives on the other side with his Treatise on Possibility. Hard-hitting and thought provoking, this is a unique perspective on humanity as we approach a point of great change.
- GenresNonfictionPhilosophy
287 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2021
55 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 27, 2021
I feel duty-bound to write a review for this book purely because nobody else has done so yet here. Enter Shikari and their frontman Rou Reynolds have been raising and communicating existential societal issues throughout their existence as a band. The difference now is that time is running out and we are reaching the point of no return. Not only has Rou engaged with a range of subject matter so eloquently to produce an album that demonstrates further musical evolution and shows the band is still going from strength to strength, but he has also had time thanks perhaps to Covid to go further and write a proper book. This is much more than an accompanying book as we have seen complimenting their previous albums.
A Treatise on Possibility distills some of the defining issues of our time; climate change, social media, inequality, mental health, treatment of the LGBT community and offers digestible and evidence-based appraisals of these areas and the threats their current configuration pose to us as individuals and our communities. It invites all who read it, to dive further into certain topics using the extensive index to fuel conversations perhaps among those who may not be taking place otherwise. Simultaneously throughout the book, Rou explains the inspiration behind many of the lyrics that came to him through visual metaphors or real-world events which are particularly satisfying to an avid Shikari fan to see that nothing is accidental or just a flight of fancy in his prose.
This is a genuine Treatise, a well thought out and direct appeal to our better nature, to care for and listen to each other, and believe that everything is possible. Inevitably there is melancholia throughout a book that considers the state of our world but Rou maintains a light and encouraging tone throughout providing examples that serve to reinforce the inherent goodness within homo sapiens and what we have lost along our journey to our current form of capitalism. This reminds us to take nothing as certain and that the systems we have now are only in their infancy.
A Treatise on Possibility distills some of the defining issues of our time; climate change, social media, inequality, mental health, treatment of the LGBT community and offers digestible and evidence-based appraisals of these areas and the threats their current configuration pose to us as individuals and our communities. It invites all who read it, to dive further into certain topics using the extensive index to fuel conversations perhaps among those who may not be taking place otherwise. Simultaneously throughout the book, Rou explains the inspiration behind many of the lyrics that came to him through visual metaphors or real-world events which are particularly satisfying to an avid Shikari fan to see that nothing is accidental or just a flight of fancy in his prose.
This is a genuine Treatise, a well thought out and direct appeal to our better nature, to care for and listen to each other, and believe that everything is possible. Inevitably there is melancholia throughout a book that considers the state of our world but Rou maintains a light and encouraging tone throughout providing examples that serve to reinforce the inherent goodness within homo sapiens and what we have lost along our journey to our current form of capitalism. This reminds us to take nothing as certain and that the systems we have now are only in their infancy.
May 12, 2023
i read this for over three months which these days is a very long time for me, but that was mostly due to how damn subject-heavy the book is. rou reynolds is a lyrical genius and i loved reading his thoughts behind the songs and how those themes intertwined with very current issues. reynolds claims he does not speak from any political point of view which is not true, this is a book written by a very leftist person (which i have no problems with at all, on the contrary). the book marches horrible scenarios in front of our eyes but manages to stay hopeful and positive. i want to believe in the future reynolds believes in, and i want to work towards it alongside him.
September 2, 2021
This book is incredible and as such, deserves another written review here on GR!
Enter Shikari have been one of my favourite bands for over a decade now; not only because they make ridiculously good music, but because they are bold and fearless in discussing ridiculously important topics through their lyrics (right through from climate change, to the privatisation of the NHS). This book then, drills further into the band's most recent album (the 5* Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible) and the wider influences on the album's lyrical content, in Rou's very own words.
It's a heavy read, discussing so many of modern society's ills - including global warming, poverty, homophobia, the dangers of our socioeconomic system, fake news and the seeming inability to discuss or converse without "cancelling" or publicly humiliating eachother. However, this book is far from pessimistic - in fact, Rou often offers words of wisdom and advice, arguing that compassion, curiosity, cooperation and importantly, exercising our creative and empathetic muscles, can go along way to beginning to build a much brighter world.
If you're a fan of Enter Shikari, I'd recommend this book. If you're an individual interested in how we can improve and better society to ensure the survival of our planet, I'd highly recommend this book. And if you go to bed at night thinking "Well, we're fucked anyway, as There Is No Alternative" - I'd highly, HIGHLY recommend this book. Keep the faith folks. And Rou, thank you for this body of work (book & album!)
Enter Shikari have been one of my favourite bands for over a decade now; not only because they make ridiculously good music, but because they are bold and fearless in discussing ridiculously important topics through their lyrics (right through from climate change, to the privatisation of the NHS). This book then, drills further into the band's most recent album (the 5* Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible) and the wider influences on the album's lyrical content, in Rou's very own words.
It's a heavy read, discussing so many of modern society's ills - including global warming, poverty, homophobia, the dangers of our socioeconomic system, fake news and the seeming inability to discuss or converse without "cancelling" or publicly humiliating eachother. However, this book is far from pessimistic - in fact, Rou often offers words of wisdom and advice, arguing that compassion, curiosity, cooperation and importantly, exercising our creative and empathetic muscles, can go along way to beginning to build a much brighter world.
If you're a fan of Enter Shikari, I'd recommend this book. If you're an individual interested in how we can improve and better society to ensure the survival of our planet, I'd highly recommend this book. And if you go to bed at night thinking "Well, we're fucked anyway, as There Is No Alternative" - I'd highly, HIGHLY recommend this book. Keep the faith folks. And Rou, thank you for this body of work (book & album!)
September 4, 2021
Written by one of my favourite artists of all time, Rou Reynolds, this book analyses the current situation of humanity and society as well as its trajectory for the future in the wake of environmental destruction.
Rou does a great job in trying to find explanations for humanity's most glaring issues, their root causes mostly being situated within our socioeconomic system of self-maximisation.
As somebody who is often struggling with anxiety when it comes to our future as well as tending to see the world in black and white (well, right-wing and left-wing, actually), this book offers loads of advice on how to deal with this anxiety and tribal thinking. Don't get me wrong though, this is not a self help book.
All in all, this book offers a look into society's future and shows that with compassion and oh, abolishing capitalism, Everything is Possible.
Rou does a great job in trying to find explanations for humanity's most glaring issues, their root causes mostly being situated within our socioeconomic system of self-maximisation.
As somebody who is often struggling with anxiety when it comes to our future as well as tending to see the world in black and white (well, right-wing and left-wing, actually), this book offers loads of advice on how to deal with this anxiety and tribal thinking. Don't get me wrong though, this is not a self help book.
All in all, this book offers a look into society's future and shows that with compassion and oh, abolishing capitalism, Everything is Possible.
January 31, 2022
Part self help book on soothing your existential anxieties, part systematic discourse on the current socioeconomic system.
Things are shit in a system designed to make EVERYBODY fee like shit, and completely and utterly divide us, but here’s what YOU can do about it if you’re smart enough and care about others enough (or at the very least see the benefits of mutual co-operation).
Societal collapse will happen one way or another, either by us forcing the planet to kick back against us, or by bringing that collapse about ourselves so we may build something better, together, more rewarding for every last person there to build it.
This body of work is a guide to what we can achieve and I would recommend it to everybody.
Things are shit in a system designed to make EVERYBODY fee like shit, and completely and utterly divide us, but here’s what YOU can do about it if you’re smart enough and care about others enough (or at the very least see the benefits of mutual co-operation).
Societal collapse will happen one way or another, either by us forcing the planet to kick back against us, or by bringing that collapse about ourselves so we may build something better, together, more rewarding for every last person there to build it.
This body of work is a guide to what we can achieve and I would recommend it to everybody.
April 28, 2024
“Catastrophe is not written into the march of history, any more than hope is.
However desolate the future may prove, it might always have been different. (...) unless one combats the inevitable, one will never know how inevitable it was in the first place” - Terry Eagleton (pg 87)
This book was beautifully written and thought provoking. Sharing Rou’s intelligent perspective on humanity and the self destructive socioeconomic system we currently subscribe to. Rou explores the challenges and negative impacts our individualistic and competitive system creates; economic, environmental, social , health etc.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. This book encourages compassion and community through empathy and curiosity. It gives hope for humans to change at both an individual and system level.
We’re at a turning point, standing on the precipice to The Great Unknown. It’s time for a complete system redesign. We can and must do better.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As if I couldn’t be more impressed with Enter Shikari and Rou as artists and activists… A Treatise on Possibility deserves all the stars possible, I strongly recommend this book for anyone and everyone.
However desolate the future may prove, it might always have been different. (...) unless one combats the inevitable, one will never know how inevitable it was in the first place” - Terry Eagleton (pg 87)
This book was beautifully written and thought provoking. Sharing Rou’s intelligent perspective on humanity and the self destructive socioeconomic system we currently subscribe to. Rou explores the challenges and negative impacts our individualistic and competitive system creates; economic, environmental, social , health etc.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. This book encourages compassion and community through empathy and curiosity. It gives hope for humans to change at both an individual and system level.
We’re at a turning point, standing on the precipice to The Great Unknown. It’s time for a complete system redesign. We can and must do better.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As if I couldn’t be more impressed with Enter Shikari and Rou as artists and activists… A Treatise on Possibility deserves all the stars possible, I strongly recommend this book for anyone and everyone.
September 4, 2025
A book peopke who are interested in treating each other well should reads multiple times inntheir life.
the thoughts and lyrics of a civil human written down without pressure or self-pity.
its a simple, clear oppinion on how the world is, supported by research and humor.
it all comes down to one thing; the are welcome in the dreamers hotel.
the thoughts and lyrics of a civil human written down without pressure or self-pity.
its a simple, clear oppinion on how the world is, supported by research and humor.
it all comes down to one thing; the are welcome in the dreamers hotel.
April 18, 2022
What can I say, I like everything Rou does
January 2, 2023
Don't read this if you're easily thrown into climate change anxiety attacks. Read this if you're easily thrown into climate change anxiety attacks.
Read
October 13, 2021Unlike the other books Rou has written before, this one doesn't focus on the songs of the album "Nothing is True & Everything is Possible". Instead, he presents a brilliant analysis of the current problems of our society and shows how working together on these problems can give us the possibility of a better future.
January 3, 2022
It's a shame that the audience for this intelligent slice of social commentary from 'Enter Shikari' frontman Rou Reynolds will presumably be limited to fans of the band (especially as it serves, in part, as a deep dive into the most recent album's lyrics) because there is a clearly a staggering amount of research and understanding within these pages that it would benefit much of the world at large to read today. It covers many aspects of modernity from climate change, social media, the rise of alt-right politics and even touches upon the Covid-19 pandemic (which came after the last album was written, even though much of it could easily be about this current era) and how all of those things impact upon the human psyche and affect anything from mental health to societal function.
Like the band's music, this provides much to think about whilst doing so with charm and a smattering of humour.
Like the band's music, this provides much to think about whilst doing so with charm and a smattering of humour.
June 15, 2022
Seeing as all the other reviews are fanboys and blindly, biased give it 5star ratings, let me try to make a case for reading this book even if you don't know Enter Shikari.
1. Rou has excellent british english and is a joy to read and listen to
2. The topics are wide and divers yet coherent
3. If you like thinking about life, humanity, psychology, or perhaps struggle with anxiety or depression, this book is interesting
4. If you need more intro before you want to start reading, check the same name, free documentary on Youtube
5. If you need more Rou after the book, check out his band, podcast, interviews and other book :)
1. Rou has excellent british english and is a joy to read and listen to
2. The topics are wide and divers yet coherent
3. If you like thinking about life, humanity, psychology, or perhaps struggle with anxiety or depression, this book is interesting
4. If you need more intro before you want to start reading, check the same name, free documentary on Youtube
5. If you need more Rou after the book, check out his band, podcast, interviews and other book :)
December 30, 2022
This book took me a while to get through because I found myself very emotionally involved with the issues covered. Reading this book was heavy for me, and I think it would be for anyone who really gets what Rou is trying to say.
Rou does get a little bit repetitive towards the back end of the book, but that's what we all need sometimes isn't it? A constant reminder and a kick up the arse-especially about this topic. That's the only reason it's not 5 ⭐ for me. I really understood everything Rou was arguing after about 50% of the book.
---
Even if you're not a fan of Enter Shikari, Rou Reynolds' book 'A Treatise on Possibility' is a brilliant read looking at the future of the Earth.
Rou balances a tightrope in this book. It is so informative, well researched, and cited well. I would argue that the references, citations, and evidence in this book are much better than alot of the research I have read published in highly regarded academic journals.
Rou manages to add in his cheeky personality, and an understanding and explanation of his musical genius that even I can understand.
I would highly recommend this to anyone, but especially activists who need some inspiration to keep fighting. It's really given me some ammunition.
Rou does get a little bit repetitive towards the back end of the book, but that's what we all need sometimes isn't it? A constant reminder and a kick up the arse-especially about this topic. That's the only reason it's not 5 ⭐ for me. I really understood everything Rou was arguing after about 50% of the book.
---
Even if you're not a fan of Enter Shikari, Rou Reynolds' book 'A Treatise on Possibility' is a brilliant read looking at the future of the Earth.
Rou balances a tightrope in this book. It is so informative, well researched, and cited well. I would argue that the references, citations, and evidence in this book are much better than alot of the research I have read published in highly regarded academic journals.
Rou manages to add in his cheeky personality, and an understanding and explanation of his musical genius that even I can understand.
I would highly recommend this to anyone, but especially activists who need some inspiration to keep fighting. It's really given me some ammunition.
September 18, 2025
It took me almost a year to get through this book. Not because it was hard to read or I didn't like it, but mostly due to the time I started reading.
'A Treatise on Possibility' by Rou Reynolds, frontman of Enter Shikari, serves as a companion volume to their album 'Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible' and picks up current urgent challenges. The prevalent political and social climate made this book difficult for me to digest. It's eerie how some of his observations from its 2021 release have since been reflected in real-world developments (looking at you, USA).
On one hand, most parts of the treatise left me hopeless and depressed, particularly in a time when everything seems to go further down the spiral. On the other hand, the hopeful outlook and his belief in a change for the better made me feel confident of what's about to come.
I want to encourage anyone to listen to the LP and read this book.
'A Treatise on Possibility' by Rou Reynolds, frontman of Enter Shikari, serves as a companion volume to their album 'Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible' and picks up current urgent challenges. The prevalent political and social climate made this book difficult for me to digest. It's eerie how some of his observations from its 2021 release have since been reflected in real-world developments (looking at you, USA).
On one hand, most parts of the treatise left me hopeless and depressed, particularly in a time when everything seems to go further down the spiral. On the other hand, the hopeful outlook and his belief in a change for the better made me feel confident of what's about to come.
I want to encourage anyone to listen to the LP and read this book.
August 17, 2022
Enter Shikari have raised awareness on climate change, war, bigotry and all sorts of issues plaguing our world for 17 years now. But for that time, they and many other political activists have been accused of failing to offer solutions. With this book, singer Rou Reynolds does exactly that. Many solutions offered, and is overall a strangely positive and optimistic work in regards to our future. His writings approach these issues from a socialist stance, and honestly? made me feel strangely at peace with the future. Maybe we will be okay if we are listened to.
August 13, 2022
Rou truly digs deep into society’s problems. Rips culture a new one (in a though provoking way). Honestly makes the reader reevaluate the world.
Even if you are not a Shikari fan I would say this is a timely read that hopefully does not become timeless as we move forward to shake society at its core and rebuild a better world for all.
Even if you are not a Shikari fan I would say this is a timely read that hopefully does not become timeless as we move forward to shake society at its core and rebuild a better world for all.
September 20, 2023
Picked this up as the huge Enter Shikari fan I am and to learn about the making of the album, and ended up deep in a thesis on society and the future of the planet. A must read for anyone wishing to broaden their minds about topics such as empathy and what needs to happen to ensure our planet's survival.
February 25, 2022
rou reynolds' presence in my life is nothing but a blessing
March 10, 2022
A superbly written, thought provoking and important book.
August 18, 2022
Rou speaks a lot of well researched sense. I wish the dreamers hotel had more more people checking in!
June 27, 2023
Took me a long time, but it's fucking brilliant.
April 25, 2024
Eine ziemlich ausführliche Einschätzung der aktuellen Lage der Menschheit und ein Ausblick was kommen kann. Auf jeden Fall empfehlenswert
December 2, 2022
A wet dream for anyone looking back from the future to see what the art was saying about the day it was made.
This book is incredibly detailed, a bit bleak at times, but covers a lot of content. It also has a significant number of references - which helps it not just sound like some guys rambling about the world problems.
I enjoyed its read, some of it was obvious, some of it had interesting stories i've looked into since.
This book is incredibly detailed, a bit bleak at times, but covers a lot of content. It also has a significant number of references - which helps it not just sound like some guys rambling about the world problems.
I enjoyed its read, some of it was obvious, some of it had interesting stories i've looked into since.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews