Gilles Lipovetsky Publishes "L'Odyssée de la surpuissance" on a World Without Limits
In his latest work, L'Odyssée de la surpuissance, philosopher Gilles Lipovetsky delves into the concept of hypermodernity, published by Éditions Odile Jacob. He posits that contemporary civilization disregards limits due to the influence of technoscience, global capitalism, and radical individualism. The advancements in AI, synthetic biology, and body technologies foster a realm where the previously unimaginable becomes achievable, prompting worries about AI misuse and environmental crises. Lipovetsky critiques how global capitalism, propelled by Big Tech, commodifies desire, enforcing a "No Limits" mentality on identity and achievement. He further examines geopolitical tensions, highlighting the resurgence of imperial ambitions and rivalry between the U.S., China, and Russia. Lipovetsky shared insights about his book with Pierre-Édouard Deldique on RFI's IDÉES, which aired on September 20, 2026.
Key facts
- Gilles Lipovetsky published L'Odyssée de la surpuissance with Éditions Odile Jacob
- The book examines hypermodernity and a civilization that ignores technological, economic, geopolitical, and individual limits
- It analyzes AI, synthetic biology, space exploration, and body technologies as forces dissolving the boundaries of the possible
- Lipovetsky identifies a "No Limits" logic in identity claims, extreme body practices, and performance quests
- The work critiques globalized capitalism boosted by Big Tech for turning desire and experience into merchandise
- It extends to geopolitics, citing imperial temptation, violations of international law, and competition among the United States, China, and Russia
- Lipovetsky discussed the book with Pierre-Édouard Deldique on RFI's IDÉES program
- The episode aired September 20, 2026, with music by Holst, Gogo Penguin, and Mozart
Entities
Artists
- Gilles Lipovetsky
- Pierre-Édouard Deldique
- Gustav Holst
- Charles Mackerras
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Stephan MacLeod
- Marina Viotti
Institutions
- Éditions Odile Jacob
- RFI
- IDÉES
- Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
- Gogo Penguin
- Gli Angeli Genève
Locations
- France
- United States
- China
- Russia