Book Review: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self
Carl Trueman’s The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self is a brilliant and thought-provoking book that critiques the modern idea of the autonomous individual. Trueman, a historian and theologian, carefully traces how Western society moved from seeing identity as something rooted in nature or God to something defined by personal feelings and social influences. He argues that this shift has led to a culture where self-expression is seen as the highest good, often at the expense of traditional moral and social structures.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its clear and engaging writing. Trueman explains complex philosophical and historical ideas in a way that is understandable for the average reader. He examines key figures like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Sigmund Freud, showing how their ideas laid the foundation for today’s belief in radical individual autonomy. He demonstrates how Western culture has come to prioritize self-definition above all else, often rejecting external sources of meaning such as religion, family, and community.
Trueman’s critique of expressive individualism is particularly insightful. He explains how Romantic thinkers emphasized emotions and personal experience, which led to the modern idea that individuals should define themselves based solely on their inner feelings. This, he argues, has resulted in a culture where personal identity is fluid and constantly reinvented, with little regard for objective truth or historical tradition. He connects this development to later thinkers who challenged traditional morality and authority, shaping today’s cultural debates.
Another strong point of the book is its analysis of Freud’s influence on modern selfhood. Freud argued that human identity is deeply connected to sexuality, and later thinkers like Wilhelm Reich and Herbert Marcuse expanded on this idea. Trueman shows how this thinking contributed to the belief that sexual expression is essential to personal fulfillment. This emphasis on sexual identity, he argues, has further reinforced the idea that the individual’s desires and self-perception should take precedence over societal norms and moral boundaries.
What makes The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self especially valuable is its balanced and respectful tone. Trueman does not attack or mock opposing views but carefully explains how these ideas developed and why they are so influential today. While he writes from a Christian perspective, his arguments are grounded in historical analysis, making the book useful for a broad audience. His critique of the autonomous self is not merely reactionary; instead, he challenges readers to consider the consequences of a society that places individual identity above all else.
For Christians, this book is particularly important. It explains why traditional Christian teachings on identity and morality are increasingly seen as outdated or even oppressive in today’s world. Rather than simply condemning modern culture, Trueman encourages believers to think deeply about how to respond with wisdom, truth, and love. He calls on Christians to engage thoughtfully with the world rather than reacting with fear or frustration.
Overall, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self is an essential book for anyone who wants to understand the deep cultural changes shaping our world. It is well-researched, clearly written, and deeply insightful. Trueman provides a compelling critique of radical individualism, showing how it has reshaped modern identity and morality. Whether you are a Christian seeking to engage with today’s culture or simply a thoughtful reader interested in intellectual history, this book is well worth your time.
