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This Ugly Civilization
Hardcover
EconomicsGeneral Political ScienceGeneral Sociology
ISBN13: 9781026036679
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 500
Weight: 1.92
Height: 1.06 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
This Ugly Civilization is a profound and provocative critique of the industrial age and its pervasive impact on the human spirit. In this seminal work, Ralph Borsodi examines the inherent ugliness of modern society-a term he uses to describe not just aesthetic decay, but the dehumanizing economic and social structures born from the factory system. The book argues that the relentless pursuit of mass production has stripped individuals of their autonomy, creativity, and connection to the domestic environment, resulting in a culture of dependency and spiritual exhaustion.
Through a detailed analysis of the economic and psychological costs of industrialism, Borsodi explores how the prioritization of quantity over quality leads to social fragmentation. He does not merely offer a critique, however; he proposes a radical alternative centered on a decentralist philosophy. By advocating for the modern homestead and the revival of domestic production, Borsodi suggests that individuals can reclaim their independence from corporate machines and lead more aesthetic, meaningful, and self-sufficient lives.
As a foundational text for the decentralist and back-to-the-land movements, This Ugly Civilization remains a vital contribution to social theory. Its exploration of consumerism and its vision for a human-centric economy continue to resonate with readers interested in sustainability, economic reform, and the preservation of individual liberty.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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