The Singularity of Being

Lacan and the Immortal Within

By: Mari Ruti

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

The Singularity of Being presents a Lacanian vision of what makes each of us an inimitable and irreplaceable creature. It argues that, unlike the "subject" (who comes into existence as a result of symbolic prohibition) or the "person" (who is aligned with the narcissistic conceits of the imaginary), the singular self emerges in response to a galvanizing directive arising from the real. This directive carries the force of an obligation that cannot be resisted and that summons the individual to a "character" beyond his or her social investments.

Consequently, singularity expresses something about the individual's non-negotiable distinctiveness, eccentricity, or idiosyncrasy at the same time it prevents both symbolic and imaginary closure. It opens to layers of rebelliousness, indicating that there are components of human life exceeding the realm of normative sociality.

Written with an unusual blend of rigor and clarity, The Singularity of Being combines incisive readings of Lacan with the best insights of recent Lacanian theory to reach beyond the dogmas of the field. Moving from what, thanks in part to Slavoj Zizek, has come to be known as the "ethics of the act" to a nuanced interpretation of Lacan's "ethics of sublimation", the book offers a sweeping overview of Lacan's thought while making an original contribution to contemporary theory and ethics.

Aimed at specialists and nonspecialists alike, the book manages to educate at the same time as it intervenes in current debates about subjectivity, agency, resistance, creativity, the self-other relationship, and effective political and ethical action. By focusing on the Lacanian real, Ruti honors the uniqueness of subjective experience without losing sight of the social and intersubjective components of human life.

©2012 Mari Ruti (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

the sublime object of love(?)

the first few chapters were a steep learning curve for someone with only a layman's understanding of lacan, but eventually it all started coming together and the 8th chapter on love was my favorite. Also, the conclusion chapter very nicely wrapped everything up.

Passionate and Accessible Lacanian Theory

Ruti's book offers a very interesting and compelling way of framing the way we view reality, others, ourselves, and our interactions. It's not an easy listen, but compared to all the other texts out their on Lacanian thought, it's almost a breeze.

Splendid, nuanced and sublime

Simply and deeply done with an elegant wisdom and close reading of Lacan, Zizek, Baidou, Santner, Butler and others.

An excellent introduction to Psychoanalysis through the Lacanian school of thought.

The hegelian dialectic resonated with me throughout the book. It clarified many of the concepts introduced in Lacanian thought. Thank you Mari Ruti and rest in peace.

Valuable read

A politicized and existential interpretation of Lacan but one that elucidate many of his difficult concepts clearly and succinctly. Whether you agree with parts of the authors particular interpretation of Lacan, this is a very valuable read.