Uncivilised

A science historian explores ten founding ideas of Western civilisation, and their fatal flaws

By: Subhadra Das

Narrated by: Subhadra Das

Some things are a given. The value of a good education. Time's progress. Death.

Except most of the ideas that form Western Civilisation are just that - ideas. Taking cues from Greek philosophy and honed in the Enlightenment, certain notions about humanity and human society grew into the tenets we live by, and we haven't questioned them a great deal since. But isn't it time we asked who really benefits from the values at the core of our society? How much truth lies in a science that conjured up 'race'? Who do laws and nations really protect? Why does it feel like time is money? What even is 'art'?

And the real question - is the West really as 'civilised' as it thinks it is?

This audiobook will put everything back on the table and ask listeners to reconsider what they thought they knew about civilisation. Taking 10 core values of Western Civilisation in turn, it will examine the root of the idea, how it developed, and how it's impacted the way we live. Most importantly it will reveal how each of these ideas was either created in opposition to another group of people, or based on ideas they had first (and better).

(Un)civilised will ask listeners to open their eyes to the why behind how they think the world works.

©2023 Subhadra Das (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Critic reviews

A witty and accessible survey of the shortcomings of western civilisation as many people imagine it (Angela Saini, author of SUPERIOR)

A vital piece of work in our challenging times that reminds us of the rich history and influences outside the West. Das writes with passion and humour to open our eyes to the history that has shaped our world (Roma Agrawal)

A stunning debut. Subhadra Das shows how a word - civilisation - became a lie. She traces how that lie was repeated and transformed in universities and museums, and how it came to be embedded in the idea of 'western' culture itself. Clearly and passionately, Uncivilised shows us how to begin to dispel such enduring untruths - with seriousness and humour in equal measure (Dan Hicks, author of THE BRUTISH MUSEUMS)