Wheen, Francis. How Mumbo-jumbo Conquered the World: A Short History of Modern Delusions.WHEEN n. 1. A quantity; a goodly number. Wheen a few; not many; a division; a group; a small amount; a fair number. Examples: wheen of Amazons, 1340; of knaves, 1680; of canny wise professors, 1680. , Francis. How mumbo jumbo mum·bo jum·bo or mum·bo-jum·bo n. pl. mum·bo jum·bos 1. Unintelligible or incomprehensible language; gibberish. 2. Language or ritualistic activity intended to confuse. 3. conquered the world; a short history of modern delusions Delusions Definition A delusion is an unshakable belief in something untrue. These irrational beliefs defy normal reasoning, and remain firm even when overwhelming proof is presented to dispute them. . Public Affairs Those public information, command information, and community relations activities directed toward both the external and internal publics with interest in the Department of Defense. Also called PA. See also command information; community relations; public information. . 327p. notes. index, c2004. 1-58648-348-X. $12.00. A Focusing on the last quarter century, Wheen gives us a literal panorama of the political, economic, religious and cultural influences that he judges to be mumbo jumbo. Prevailing ideas like: God is on our side; the market is rational; culture and intelligence are relative; astrology is harmless fun; mass sentimental hysteria is emotional maturity; private enterprise is what makes a country prosperous and successful; and there is no such thing as reality are examined in the context of western culture. Nothing is immune to Wheen's probing for reason. The introduction defines enlightenment and, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. him, we have not often witnessed it recently. "Partisans of Left and Right--and indeed the Center--will find many of their assumptions challenged," he says of his look at the "application of Counter-Enlightenment idiocy IDIOCY, med. jur. That condition of mind, in which the reflective, or all or a part of the affective powers, are either entirely wanting, or are manifested to the least possible extent. 2. Idiocy generally depends upon organic defects. in ... politics, education, diplomacy, medicine, business, the media." Whether or not you agree with him, this riveting work is excellent food for thought. Perhaps in the final analysis, he is basing his evaluation of mumbo jumbo on the bedrock of a former mumbo jumbo. Or is one person's mumbo jumbo another person's reason?. Let the reader decide. This book presumes an understanding of the jargon of cultural history. Terms such as modernity, deconstructionist, Keynesian and supply-side theory Supply-Side Theory An economic theory holding that bolstering an economy's ability to supply more goods is the most effective way to stimulate economic growth. Notes: may not resonate with the average high-school student. The book is well footnoted and indexed. Ann Hart, Trustee, Juniata County Lib., Mifflintown, PA KLIATT uses the following codes to help readers determine if the material reviewed is appropriate for this needs: J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers. S--Recommended for senior high school students. A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries. |
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