Barbarian in the Garden - Herbert, Zbigniew

Barbarian in the Garden: A Look at the New Barbarians

In his book "Barbarian in the Garden," Zbigniew Herbert takes a critical look at the rise of a new kind of barbarism in the modern world. He argues that this new barbarism is not simply a return to the past, but rather a new and more dangerous form of barbarity that threatens to destroy the very foundations of civilization.

Herbert begins by defining barbarism as "the rejection of the values of civilization." He argues that this rejection can take many forms, from the outright destruction of cultural artifacts to the more subtle erosion of social norms and values. In either case, the result is the same: a society that is no longer able to sustain itself.

Herbert identifies a number of factors that have contributed to the rise of this new barbarism. These include the decline of traditional values, the rise of individualism, and the increasing complexity of modern society. He argues that these factors have created a vacuum that has been filled by a new kind of barbarism that is more destructive and more difficult to resist than anything that has come before.

Herbert's book is a powerful and provocative indictment of the modern world. He offers a unique and insightful perspective on the rise of barbarism and the threats it poses to civilization. "Barbarian in the Garden" is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about the future of our world.

The New Barbarians

Herbert argues that the new barbarians are not simply a return to the past. They are a new and more dangerous form of barbarity that threatens to destroy the very foundations of civilization. He identifies a number of characteristics that distinguish the new barbarians from their predecessors:

• They are not motivated by a desire to conquer or destroy. Instead, they are motivated by a desire to nihilism and destruction.
• They are not interested in creating a new society. Instead, they are interested in destroying the old one.
• They are not afraid of death. In fact, they often embrace it.

Herbert argues that these characteristics make the new barbarians more dangerous than any previous form of barbarism. They are not interested in building anything, only in destroying. They are not afraid of death, so they are willing to take risks that others would not.

The Causes of Barbarism

Herbert identifies a number of factors that have contributed to the rise of this new barbarism. These include:

• The decline of traditional values. In the past, people were more likely to be guided by a set of shared values and beliefs. Today, there is a greater emphasis on individualism and personal freedom. This has led to a decline in social cohesion and a rise in anomie.
• The rise of individualism. Individualism is the belief that the individual is the most important unit of society. This belief has led to a decline in the sense of community and a rise in selfishness and greed.
• The increasing complexity of modern society. Modern society is becoming increasingly complex and interconnected. This has made it more difficult for people to understand the world around them and to feel a sense of control over their lives. This has led to a rise in anxiety and frustration.

Herbert argues that these factors have created a vacuum that has been filled by a new kind of barbarism. This barbarism is more destructive and more difficult to resist than anything that has come before.

The Threats of Barbarism

Herbert argues that the new barbarism poses a serious threat to civilization. He identifies a number of ways in which barbarism can destroy society:

• It can destroy the physical infrastructure of society. Barbarians can destroy buildings, bridges, and roads. They can also poison the environment and deplete natural resources.
• It can destroy the social fabric of society. Barbarians can break down families and communities. They can also create chaos and disorder.
• It can destroy the cultural heritage of society. Barbarians can destroy books, art, and music. They can also suppress freedom of speech and thought.

Herbert argues that the new barbarism is a threat to everything that we hold dear. It is a threat to our way of life, our culture, and our future.

Conclusion

Herbert concludes by calling for a new kind of resistance to barbarism. He argues that we need to find a way to rebuild the values and institutions that have been destroyed by barbarism. We need to create a new sense of community and solidarity. We need to find a way to reconnect with the natural world.

Herbert's book is a powerful and provocative call to action. It is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about the future of our world.