Customer Reviews

Humiliation: And Other Essays on Honor, Social Discomfort, and Violence

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I had the privilege of studying the dynamics of the blood feud culture under Professor Miller. After the class I began reading some of his literature.
Miller's combination of historiography, psychological and philosophical analysis, and literary criticism results in an extremely perceptive look at emotions and impulses people would rather not admit to having. His frank but non-judgmental evaluation of his own actions and those of the people around him contribute greatly to the reader's understanding of shame and humiliation. His view of the world of gift-giving, both positive and negative, is a perfect explanation for much of human behavior and motivation.
A must-read for anyone who has ever inflicted humiliation on another, or had it inflicted on oneself, or for anyone interested in learning why human beings behave the way they do.

This is a phenomenal book on the nature of humiliation - and especially the ways that humiliation continues to play a fundamental role in structuring contemporary society.

Not an easy read necessarily - but it definitely repays the close attention it requires. It will change the way you look at society today - as well as giving you a bit of a whirlwind tour of icelandic heroic sagas. Not something you can say about most books!