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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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About this listen

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
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Most relevant
The irony of giving this book 5 starts on Audible is not lost on me

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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Read or listen to this work - it has changed my life. Kingsnorth may wake you up to the truth also - Modernity is in fact, unreality.

Kingsnorth’s enlightening perspective is the truth we have longed to hear, even if we don’t know it.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.