Humiliation

by William Ian Miller

Book Overview

How do we feel when our friend turns up with a holiday present and we have nothing ready to give in exchange? What lies behind our small social panics and the maneuvers we use, to avoid losing face? Recognizing how much we care about how others see us, this wise and witty book tackles the complex subject of humiliation and the emotions that keep us going as self-respecting social actors.

William Ian Miller writes astutely about a host of...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801428815
• ISBN13: 9780801428814
• Release Date: November 1993
• Publisher: Cornell University Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.2" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Humiliation explained

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!

Uncanny look at the human psyche

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.