Exterminations: a Review

My new book, “Exterminations” is generating a certain interest. Taking into account that it is not being promoted in any way, the fact that it sold about 50 copies in 2 weeks is not a bad result in a time in which people don’t read books anymore. I am curious to see whether it will pick up interest by itself, or will need some push to keep growing— not sure how, but I’ll think about that. For the time being, here is a review on “Goodreads” by B. Haldane.

A Review of “Exterminations” by B. Haldane on Goodreads.

October 19, 2024

So rarely in life do you find a new book that masterfully explores a topic that you wanted to explore, but that nobody else had thought to dig into yet.

Ugo Bardi continues his life's work, extending the thought experiment around the unfolding end of industrial civilisation to a fascinating reflection of how societies going through similar stresses respond with exterminations of subsets of their population.

What follows is a diverse array of insights into relevant slices of history, woven together into a fascinating meditation on human nature and the possibilities to improve it on this particular trip down the civilisational slippery dip.

The writing has surprising warmth, wit and raw, honest humanity in dealing with such a dark topic. I especially loved the analysis of the factors leading to subgroups being targeted for organised violence, and the potential lessons offered in situating yourself to avoid such a fate. The 21st century is likely to become a hotbed of new social experiments in response to the growing stresses of our times, and I would recommend this book to anyone looking for insights into how their own life and community can be directed before the mob knocks down their door.

I received a free copy in return for an honest review.