The purpose of this comparative study is to probe the common threads
that exist between the prose of Christian Signol and the complex, interdisciplinary
philosophy of Michel Serres. Specifically, this exploration delves into the problematic
nature of the timeless pursuit of happiness in the modern world, as perceived
by Signol and Serres. Predicated upon their astute observations of modernity
and everything that it entails for the modern subject, the authors wonder whether it
is becomingly increasingly difficult to project meaning upon the absurdity of
existence in what they describe to be an inauthentic, sterile space. Moreover, both
writers express their disquieting anxiety related to globalization and excessive
urbanization. They assert that these interrelated processes have further problematized
the elusive quest for happiness at the beginning of a new millennium. However,
Signol and Serres remain cautiously optimistic that it is still possible to live a
meaningful and fulfilling life. In this vein, they propose pragmatic ontological
solutions for healing cosmic alienation including a revitalization of the senses.

EB00000002829K

Available

• Christian Signol’s Les vrais bonheurs and Michel Serres’s Bioge´e: Two books of joy for the modern world