Cain’s Act
The Origins of Hate
by Massimo Recalcati
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Pub Date Dec 06 2022 | Archive Date Nov 21 2022
Europa Editions | Europa Compass
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Description
From one of Italy’s most renowned philosophers and psychoanalysts, an urgent and stirring reflection on violence, morality, and our relationship with the Other
What lies at the foundation of human history and society? According to Massimo Recalcati, it is not love for one’s neighbor, as preached by Jesus in the Gospels, but the brutality, jealousy, and violence depicted in the story of Cain and Abel.
As timely as it is brilliant, this essay examines Cain’s murderous act through the lens of psychoanalysis, showing how delusions of self-sufficiency and individual perfection lie at the deepest roots of fear and violence in our societies.
True completeness can only be achieved through others—not despite them. This, argues Recalcati, is the lesson of Cain, one that resonates powerfully in our time.
“Recalcati explores the most fundamental of questions—for Cain, Abel, and every human being: can we believe in love?”—La Stampa
Advance Praise
Praise for Cain’s Act and Massimo Recalcati
“The ideas stimulate... Cain’s Act provides plenty to ponder.”—Publishers Weekly
“Although a succinct monograph, this book is a carefully deliberative and stimulating study of ethics—people’s approach to others, violence, and the underpinning drives of human life... A rich interpretation with a depth of ethical implications, expressed clearly in Will Schutt’s translation.”—Library Journal
“A brilliant, stirring analysis.”—La Stampa on The Night in Gethsemane
“A book that reads in less than two hours but stays with you forever.”—Il Foglio on The Night in Gethsemane
“Lively and sharp . . . An invitation to look positively at the loneliness of human experience.”—Lettera on The Night in Gethsemane
Marketing Plan
TARGET READERSHIP
- Readers of Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, Stephen Greenblatt’s and Simona Critchley’s books; When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi; Incerto by Nassim Taleb; How to Live a Good Life by Massimo Pigliucci, Skye Cleary, and Daniel Kaufman
- Readers interested in psychology, Christian religion, psychological interpretation of religious texts
KEY SELLING POINTS
- A short, accessible yet erudite investigation about the origins of morality;
- A timely meditation on violence, society, and our relationship with the Other;
- Recalcati offers a fresh interpretation of one of the most famous episodes of the Old Testament
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781609458157 |
| PRICE | $17.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 112 |
