Lisz Hirn's "Gehorchen. Über das Wesen der Autorität" Examines Obedience and Authority
Austrian philosopher Lisz Hirn has published "Gehorchen. Über das Wesen der Autorität" (Obey. On the Nature of Authority) through Hanser Verlag and Paul Zsolnay Verlag Wien in 2026. This 172-page work delves into themes of obedience and authority, addressing military discipline and moral conscience while drawing on the thoughts of Montesquieu, Plato, Nietzsche, and Arendt. Hirn contends that digital environments obstruct democratic discourse. The second chapter focuses on authority within family and education, referencing Erich Fromm. The third chapter differentiates power from authority, using Trump's actions as a totalitarian example. The concluding chapter highlights the potential dystopian risks posed by AI. Scheduled reading events will take place on October 2, 15, 22, and November 24, 2026.
Key facts
- Lisz Hirn is an Austrian philosopher, publicist, and artist.
- Her book "Gehorchen. Über das Wesen der Autorität" is published by Hanser Verlag and Paul Zsolnay Verlag Wien in 2026.
- The book is 172 pages, available in hardcover and eBook, ISBN 978-3-552-07610-5.
- It examines obedience and authority, drawing on Montesquieu, Plato, Nietzsche, Arendt, Fromm, and Žižek.
- Hirn argues that digital spaces undermine democratic debate and foster algorithmic obedience.
- She distinguishes authority from power, citing the Roman Senate and criticizing Trump's totalitarian tendencies.
- The book warns about AI's potential for invisible coercion, quoting from page 144/5.
- Reading events are scheduled in Graz (Oct 2), Steyr (Oct 15), Andorf (Oct 22), and Götzis (Nov 24).
Entities
Artists
- Lisz Hirn
- Baron de Montesquieu
- Platon
- Friedrich Nietzsche
- Hannah Arendt
- Erich Fromm
- Slavoj Žižek
- Donald Trump
Institutions
- Hanser Verlag
- Paul Zsolnay Verlag Wien
- Literaturhaus Graz
- Literaturfestival OUT OF JOINT
- Museum Arbeitswelt
- Initiative.Literaturschiff
- Verein für literarische Begegnungen in Oberösterreich
- FrauenSalon Vorarlberg
- Jugend- und Bildungshaus St. Arbogast
- Jugend- und Bildungshaus St. Arbogast GmbH & Co. KG
Locations
- Austria
- Graz
- Steyr
- Andorf
- Götzis
- Vienna
- Rome
- United States