Revolution (book)
Revolution (stylised RƎVO⅃UTION, with "love" spelled backwards) is a 2014 non-fiction book written by the British comedian, actor and political activist Russell Brand. In it, Brand advocates a non-violent social revolution based on principles of spirituality and the common good. Critical response to the book was divided. While some reviewers praised its "charm" and Brand's "distinctive" voice, others complained about a lack of style and substance
Context
But increasingly he had also become known for his political views and activism: in 2009, for instance, he attended the
In October, 2013, Brand was offered a stint as the guest editor of an issue of the New Statesman, which he chose to dedicate to the topic of "revolution."[1] As he wrote in the issue's editorial, "Imagining the overthrow of the current political system is the only way I can be enthused about politics."[2] That same week, Brand was interviewed by Jeremy Paxman on BBC Two's current-affairs programme, Newsnight. Paxman posed to Brand the problem: "How, may I ask, is this revolution going to come about?"[3] The book Revolution, then, is presented as an extended response to that question.[4]
Synopsis
Revolution draws on Brand's own experiences and observations both as someone who has experienced considerable social mobility in his life—from a working class upbringing with a single mother in Grays, Essex, to Hollywood fame and fortune—and as a former drug addict who has found solace in twelve-step movements and in spirituality. "Change is something I'm good at," Brand claims.[5] It also draws on a range of counter-cultural authors such as Noam Chomsky, David Graeber, and Helena Norberg-Hodge, as well as on historical events from the Spanish Revolution of 1936 to Che Guevara's reflections on the Cuban Revolution of 1959, and contemporary practices such as participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre or direct democracy in Switzerland.
The book argues that contemporary capitalism is manifestly unequal and unfair, to the detriment of society's winners as much as to its many victims. It also claims that contemporary democracy is a sham, and so conventional politics will never bring about real change: "That is why I do not vote; that is why I will never vote."[6] Instead, Brand advocates a social revolution based on two principles: "1) nonviolence, and 2) the radical improvement of the quality of life for ordinary people."[7] It proposes a society of "self-governing, fully autonomous, ecologically responsible, egalitarian communities."[8]
Reception
Revolution was criticised by reviewers for its lack of substance and style of writing. The writing was described as "atrocious: long-winded, confused and smug; filled with references to books Brand has half read and thinkers he has half understood" by Nick Cohen in The Observer.[9] Robert Colville in The Daily Telegraph wrote that although "he comes across as palpably sincere in his convictions," Brand "has not even the faintest fragment of an inkling of how his Revolution will come about" and "[a]s for how things would work afterwards, don’t ask." Colville called the book "sub-undergraduate dross".[10]
The Atlantic magazine wrote "Revolution preaches but doesn't practice. There's a reason Brand’s most recent standup show is called 'Messiah Complex.' He has the zeal of the missionary and the charisma of the cult leader, along with a newfound commitment to imposing his vision upon society through deliberately undemocratic means. If he ever figures out how to communicate that vision in a less abstract and imperious way he could indeed change the world, although for better or for worse is anyone’s guess."[11]
Notes
- ^ New Statesman (October 25, 2013), "In this week's New Statesman: Russell Brand guest edit", The New Statesman
- ^ Brand, Russell (October 24, 2013), Russell Brand on revolution: "We no longer have the luxury of tradition".
- ^ Brand 2014, pp. xiv. See also Paxman vs Brand - full interview - BBC News, YouTube, October 23, 2013
- ^ As Brand puts it in the final sentence of the book's prologue: "I've given it some thought, so, here we go, sit down and strap in" (Brand 2014, p. xiv).
- ^ Brand 2014, p. 92
- ^ Brand 2014, p. 270
- ^ Brand 2014, p. 225
- ^ Brand 2014, p. 64
- ^ Cohen, Nick (27 October 2014). "Revolution by Russell Brand review – the barmy credo of a Beverly Hills Buddhist". The Observer. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- ^ Colville, Robert (23 October 2014). "Revolution by Russell Brand, review: 'sub-undergraduate dross'". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 27 October 2014.
- ^ Sophie Gilbert "Russell Brand's Revolution Isn't About Revolution", The Atlantic, 5 November 2014
References
- ISBN 978-1-10-188291-7.
External links
- Revolution at Random House website
- "Russell Brand: 'I want to address the alienation and despair'". The Guardian, 10 October 2014.
- "Russell Brand's Revolution: an exclusive extract". The Guardian, 10 October 2014.
- "What monkeys and the Queen taught me about inequality" (second extract). The Guardian, 13 October 2014.
- Paxman vs Brand - full interview - BBC News, YouTube, October 23, 2013
- 'I don't trust politicians & corporations in this country' Russell Brand - Newsnight, YouTube, October 23, 2014
- Russell Brand reads from Revolution. Youtube.com, 14 October 2014.