Imaginary: The stories and symbols that rule us - and how to survive them (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798199928472)

Most of what governs your life does not exist.

Religions. Nations. Money. Corporations. Status.

They are stories and symbols, formed in human imagination, that allow us to live together in what we call 'civilisation'. They shape our identity, demand our loyalty, enable acts of cruelty, and decide what is right and who belongs. But, in a fundamental sense, they do not exist.

We call ourselves homo sapiens - the wise human. But we might be better understood as homo narrans - the storytelling human. Our world is built on stories that we have created, that we share with each other, and that we live inside together.

Imaginary explores how these stories first emerged, why they became so powerful, the ways in which they continue to dominate our lives - and how differently their requirements are experienced.

Drawing on a broad sweep of history, anthropology, sociology and psychology, it examines how religions, political systems, institutions, social status and identity all provide necessary forms of coordination, continuity and consolation, while also constraining the individuals within them.

Why do some people find meaning, certainty and belonging within these imaginary systems, while others experience unease, alienation or the persistent sense that everything around them is not quite real?

How should life be lived, once these systems are seen clearly for what they are, but cannot be escaped?

This is not a manifesto or a call to action. Imaginary describes the world as it is, not as we might wish it to be. It is a clear-sighted exploration of how stories and symbols have always, and will always, rule our world - and, in understanding this, how it remains possible to live with authenticity and integrity: by maintaining what is necessary, discarding what is not, and holding on to what is true and real.

Previously published under the title Ruled by the Imaginary by Randolph Braigan. This edition has been revised and expanded.