In , French philosopher Pascal Bruckner argues that Western Europe has become paralyzed by a pathological sense of remorse for its historical sins. He contends that this "obsessive guilt" has transformed into a form of narcissism that prevents the West from defending its values or addressing modern atrocities. Key Themes
: He describes a "masochistic" culture where intellectuals and leaders use guilt to claim moral superiority, effectively "inflating" themselves through remorse. The Tyranny of Guilt: An Essay on Western Masoc...
– Compares the differing attitudes of Europe and the United States. In , French philosopher Pascal Bruckner argues that
: While the West "industrialized" certain evils, Bruckner points out it also invented the tools to abolish them, such as civil liberties and democratic government. – Compares the differing attitudes of Europe and
The essay is divided into eight primary sections as outlined on Princeton University Press and Project MUSE :
– Examines those who profit from perpetual remorse.