Georges Bataille: religious theory

This is a book written by Georges Bataille addressing the central question of "how to escape the human condition." Bataille argues that even humans cannot escape the position of objects or tools (means). Tools such as shovels and pencils have no value when not in use and possess value only when they form a relationship with a specific goal. The same applies to the instrumental life of humans. According to Bataille, it becomes difficult to call someone who works simply to survive a human being. For example, one might think that a farmer lives a valuable life because they cultivate crops. However, to the consumer of the crops, the farmer is merely a tool (producer) for consumption. It is an era where one’s own work, meant for survival, becomes a tool for someone else. Humans seek to escape a life that has become a tool, and in this book, Bataille portrays humans attempting to break free from their instrumental existence through war, religion, rituals, and festivals.

Korean title: 종교이론

Korean author: 조르주 바타유

Korean publisher: 문예출판사

ISBN-13: 9788931009828