First published 2016
Foucault delves into the historical roots of self-examination and confession, tracing a radical shift from ancient Greek ideals of "know thyself" to Christian precepts of total disclosure. As he contrasts Greco-Roman techniques with early monastic practices, a complex picture emerges of how the modern subject was forged in the crucible of power, truth, and the transformed relationship between the individual and their spiritual guide.
Genres: history, philosophy, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: academic, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic, historical
Period: Ancient Greece, Early Monasticism
160 pages · Hardcover · University of Chicago Press