The Adventure Illusion
Why Life is Not a Journey
Seiten
2026
Bloomsbury Academic (Verlag)
9781350455924 (ISBN)
Bloomsbury Academic (Verlag)
9781350455924 (ISBN)
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A philosophically, historically, and anthropologically profound analysis of a major concept at the heart of contemporary culture - exploring how the illusory promise of adventure has become one of the most compelling and powerful narratives in popular culture and contemporary society.
Anyone would prefer an adventurous life over a mundane one… wouldn’t they?
Even those of us who wouldn’t find ourselves caught up in stories of adventure at every turn – in the films we watch, the books we read, the podcasts we listen to. That thirst for thrilling experiences, travels to faraway lands, or passionate love affairs is what prompts this book’s central question: is adventure really what we want? Adventures don’t Exist explores how the illusory promise of adventure has become one of the most compelling and powerful narratives in popular culture and contemporary society. The notion that everything has a purpose and leads to a satisfying resolution has taken hold of every level of our society, from politics to consumer culture, but ultimately leads only to frustration and disappointment.
Drawing on some of the most familiar adventures of our times, like Game of Thrones, Star Wars and the Marvel films, this book shows how adventure stories took hold of our imagination, and how those stories shape and intersect with our ideas about identity, race, gender and ability – who do we become used to seeing in the roles of hero, villain, or love interest? When we’re told that everything, even sickness, disappointment and suffering is laden with significance and meaning, how should we cope when we realise that our lives aren’t leading up to anything in particular? As narrative creatures that are always in search of a purpose or meaning, can we ever envisage a world without these adventurous illusions?
Anyone would prefer an adventurous life over a mundane one… wouldn’t they?
Even those of us who wouldn’t find ourselves caught up in stories of adventure at every turn – in the films we watch, the books we read, the podcasts we listen to. That thirst for thrilling experiences, travels to faraway lands, or passionate love affairs is what prompts this book’s central question: is adventure really what we want? Adventures don’t Exist explores how the illusory promise of adventure has become one of the most compelling and powerful narratives in popular culture and contemporary society. The notion that everything has a purpose and leads to a satisfying resolution has taken hold of every level of our society, from politics to consumer culture, but ultimately leads only to frustration and disappointment.
Drawing on some of the most familiar adventures of our times, like Game of Thrones, Star Wars and the Marvel films, this book shows how adventure stories took hold of our imagination, and how those stories shape and intersect with our ideas about identity, race, gender and ability – who do we become used to seeing in the roles of hero, villain, or love interest? When we’re told that everything, even sickness, disappointment and suffering is laden with significance and meaning, how should we cope when we realise that our lives aren’t leading up to anything in particular? As narrative creatures that are always in search of a purpose or meaning, can we ever envisage a world without these adventurous illusions?
Simon Gusman is an assistant professor of liberal arts & sciences at Utrecht University, The Netherlands. Arjen Kleinherenbrink is an associate professor of metaphysics & philosophical anthropology at Radboud University, The Netherlands.
List of Figures
Preface
Introduction
1. The Same Old Story
2. Addicted to Adventures
3. Adventures do not Exist
4. Harnessed and Deceived
5. Minor Characters
6. The Origin Story of Stories
7. The Tale of Adventure
8. A World Without Plot
9. Storytelling and Identity
10. In Search of Better Stories
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
| Erscheint lt. Verlag | 23.7.2026 |
|---|---|
| Verlagsort | London |
| Sprache | englisch |
| Maße | 138 x 216 mm |
| Themenwelt | Geisteswissenschaften ► Philosophie ► Metaphysik / Ontologie |
| Geisteswissenschaften ► Philosophie ► Philosophie der Neuzeit | |
| Sozialwissenschaften | |
| ISBN-13 | 9781350455924 / 9781350455924 |
| Zustand | Neuware |
| Informationen gemäß Produktsicherheitsverordnung (GPSR) | |
| Haben Sie eine Frage zum Produkt? |
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Buch | Softcover (2024)
Goldmann (Verlag)
CHF 21,90
