The Decomposition of Man

Today, identity politics and new identities are omnipresent. The Decomposition of Man approaches these themes in a novel and fascinating manner. The current social crisis entails the erosion of established identities—man, woman, husband, wife, Catholic, American—in favour of created ones such as "Latinx" and "nonbinary." This is said to be freeing. In fact, however, when people's family, religious, and community structures disintegrate, they are taken over by commercial, bureaucratic, and governmental interests. As human relationships deteriorate, confusions proliferate, families disintegrate, needs go unmet, and individuals lose sight of who they are.

This book connects the current crisis back to societal developments like industrialization and globalization, as well as the technical modes of thinking that go with them. A sufficient reaction will include a renewed focus on tradition and natural law, as well as a shift toward local community and religion—particularly Catholicism. That will undoubtedly be difficult work, but existing patterns are plainly unsustainable. Kalb's vital work is directed at everyone who want to grasp what lies behind trends that frequently seem bizarre, and how to live with the new and often dangerous world that is emerging.