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Against the Machine

On the Unmaking of Humanity

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Against the Machine

By: Paul Kingsnorth
Narrated by: Owen Hall
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

How a force that’s hard to name, but which we all feel, is reshaping what it means to be human

In Against the Machine, “furiously gifted” (The Washington Post) novelist, poet, and essayist Paul Kingsnorth presents a wholly original—and terrifying—account of the technological-cultural matrix enveloping all of us. With insight into the spiritual and economic roots of techno-capitalism, Kingsnorth reveals how the Machine, in the name of progress, has choked Western civilization, is destroying the Earth itself, and is reshaping us in its image. From the First Industrial Revolution to the rise of artificial intelligence, he shows how the hollowing out of humanity has been a long game—and how your very soul is at stake.

It takes effort to remain truly human in the age of the Machine. Here Kingsnorth reminds us what humanity requires: a healthy suspicion of entrenched power; connection to land, nature and heritage; and a deep attention to matters of the spirit. Prophetic and poetic, Against the Machine is a spiritual manual for dissidents in the technological age.

© Paul Kingsnorth 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

 History & Culture Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government Society Technology & Society Capitalism Socialism
All stars
Most relevant
The irony of giving this book 5 starts on Audible is not lost on me

Phenomenal

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A call to arms! And beautifully read by the inestimable Owen Hall. Let’s revolt everyone

This book is blowing my mind

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I loved this book so much, I went and bought the physical copy just to own. Honestly, its probably one of the most important, most relevant, most poignant, and most critical diatribes on our modern culture and our relationship with technology, AI, capitalism, environmentalism, globalism, politics, identity, and spirituality. Everything is completely stripped bare, from where it started, to where we’re heading. This book is for anyone who, like me, senses there’s something deeply wrong with the world but hasn’t found the language to express it. Well here it is. Paul Kingsnorth is just a brilliant, brilliant, brilliant writer.

I will also add the narration by Owen Hall is absolute perfection. He maintains the necessary gravitas, wit, sarcasm, and rigorous tone required for such an important subject. I will listen to anything he narrates.

This audio/book is nothing short of profound, eloquent, and just purely brilliant.
5 STARS.

Phenomenal.

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The passionate and also highly lucid way in which Paul has written in combination with the best narration I have heard on this platform moved me unexpectedly to tears on at least four separate occasions. The power of these ideas resonates deeply and as a long time admirer (and user) of Iain McGilchrist’s work in my clinical practice, I am further inspired to answer this call…to do what I can professionally and personally to find home and to support others navigate in that direction in their own lives. Wonderful stuff!!

The passionate and spiritual call to arms

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Thoroughly enjoyed the story. Much of it is convincing and all of it is thought provoking. I was unmoved by his story about science, and would have been more convinced had the supernatural been left out altogether. Audible sent me a notification that this book might be of interest, which I’m pleased about, but in one stroke undermines the central thesis of the book. But if you ignore the author’s need for the devil, there is still plenty to be gained from the author’s work to improve life.

Captivating storytelling

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