Narratives of Humanism

Final volume of the tetralogy begun with Hominescences. In this spectacular work, Michel Serres tells us one of the world's longest narratives, a story in which men and women, who once left Africa, find themselves today, tens of thousands of years after their separation. It is neither linear nor predictable. The author explains how he himself was unable to cross the immense birthplace continent on foot and why we no longer believe in the history of homelands and nations. Serres also explores topics such as why Orpheus let his Eurydice escape; the indispensable work to which the nine Muses dedicated themselves; how sailors voluntarily became lions and mosquitoes; why Assyrian statues have wings and hooves; how the Aztec gods combine feathers and fur; and, finally, why Eve was disobedient in paradise. In short, in this work, he discusses how the human race became successful or failed. Unable to define Man, the author narrates him, and these various narratives outline a new humanism. In Narratives of Humanism, the marriage of stories and knowledge is celebrated.