The closing months of 2008 saw the world's nations united in financial uncertain
ty. Amid endless reports of collapsing stock markets, failed banks, fiscal fraud
and snowballing unemployment, THE AGE OF NOTHING offers a compelling insight in
to the demise of capitalism and the beginning of a new era. Peter Watson's scint
illating thesis argues that the unprecedented credit crunch of 2008 was the resu
lt of a fundamental change in the fabric of society - one that became truly visi
ble only as it reached its culmination.
In a commanding narrative, Watson pro
vides a historical perspective on the shift in our attitudes towards capitalism,
while exploring the philosophical roots that underpin it. Of central importance
in Watson's theory is Nietzsche's warning regarding mankind's responsibility fo
r 'the death of God' - and the consequences thereof. Nietzsche's views on the fr
ailty of human values in a world bereft of religious faith were echoed by writer
s including Tolstoy, Marx and Kandinsky - and his chilling message went on to re
sonate with thinkers throughout the 20th century.
