The Fear of Insignificance / Progress in Mathematics (PDF)

"The Fear of Insignificance is the type of book that can change your life. . .because Strenger presents his theories in mind-opening ways. . .[he] defends the liberal's right to a firmly entrenched worldview opposed to others, as opposed to fashionable relativist postmodernism. Strenger encourages the reader to create meaning autonomously and not shy away from the painful work involved in becoming a genuine individual." - Rana Verbin:. Haaretz, Best Books of the Year. June 6 2010

"Carlo Strenger. . .creates a wide ranging interpretation, not only of the situation of today's individual, but of global developments that affect us all. . .Gradually a tragic picture of Homo globalis evolves; locked into illusions without being able to see the bars of the cage. . .Part of the book's fascination resides in Strenger's search for a new balance that will help the reader to deal with the human fear of death. . .Strenger succeeds with great sensitivity in presenting the stories of inspiring people who have succeeded in escaping the suffering created by the social precept of measuring their worth through rating scales, as if they reflected the individual's true value." - Iris Kalka, Haaretz

"This is an important book that integrates up to date knowledge in a number of disciplines lucidly. Its greatness resides is its precise diagnosis of the central problems of our times and in offering solutions that avoid flattery and instant redemption. . .Strenger's main thesis is that we need to create lives of our own making rather than caving in to the demands of the global market that tries to turn us into uncritical and shallow consumers. . .Strenger calls for a culture of critical argumentation as an antidote to fashionable postmodern relativism." - Avi Garfinkel, City Mouse

"Carlo Strenger's The Fear of Insignificance gives a riveting description of the irrational belief that everything is possible, and that life must be spectacular - a factor that has