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‘Deeply interesting … a superb critique of contemporary self-obsession’ Steven Poole, Guardian

‘Engrossing … bracing … incendiary and timely’ Stuart Jeffries, Daily Telegraph

A philosopher explains why the search for identity is meaningless, and how we should escape the self

Modern life encourages us to pursue the perfect identity. Whether we aspire to become the best lawyer or charity worker, life partner or celebrity influencer, we emulate exemplars that exist in the world – hoping it will bring us happiness. But this often leads to a complex game of envy and pride. We achieve these identities but want others to imitate us. We disagree with those whose identities contradict ours – leading to polarisation and even violence. And yet when they thump against us, we are ashamed to ring hollow.

In Against Identity, philosopher Alexander Douglas seeks an alternative wisdom. Searching the work of three thinkers – ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, Dutch Enlightenment thinker Benedict de Spinoza, and 20th Century French theorist Rene Girard – he explores how identity can be a spiritual violence that leads us away from truth.

Through their worlds and radically different cultures, we discover how, at moments of historical rupture, our hunger for being grows: and yet, it is exactly these times when we should make peace with our indeterminacy and discover the freedom of escaping our selves.

‘Lucid and absorbing … One of my highlight books of the year’ Stuart Kelly, Scotsman

Publisher Review

In this most timely book, Alexander Douglas traces the philosophy of the no-self in Western and Chinese thought, zooming in on three core figures. Written in a most accessible and engaging way, the book bridges scholarly exploration and existential reflection. Readers will learn about Spinoza, Zhuangzi, and Rene Girard, and, at the same time, realize how these thinkers illuminate the pitfalls of our contemporary obsessions with identity and a supposedly “true self.” — Dr. Hans-Georg Moeller Alex Douglas’s book is a profound meditation upon the way we perceive ourselves and the pits we frequently fall into, either as individuals or as groups, from the schoolyard to the nation state. Against Identity is revelatory, written with singular clarity and granite purpose, using little-known philosophies to think better and live with less turmoil, self-torture and aggression. The book is intended to change thought and behaviour, showing exactly how this might be achieved. In times of pessimism and chaos, it is a welcome voice of optimism and possibility. — Richard Whatmore Against Identity provides what Alexander Douglas expects from good philosophy: a ‘feeling of clarity and ease’, and a way of navigating life wisely. It is so relevant to our present convulsions around identity, and yet (despite the provocative title), beautifully free of stridency, aggression, and jargon. Insights from the Chinese philosopher Zuangzi, from Baruch Spinoza, from Rene Girard, and from the author’s own life observations, converge. The result is impressive, convincing, and moving. — Michael Kirwan Against Identity is a refreshingly inventive, challenging and provocative book that demands we think more deeply about this modern mantra to be yourself. Crisscrossing continents and several millennia of thought about the self, Douglas sets out a powerful vision of human liberation through a shared identitylessness. In a subtle refutation of the excesses of identity politics, Against Identity calls on us to rethink our core assumptions about desire, freedom, and who we really are. — Dan Taylor Against Identity is a brilliant and important work. It is difficult to say anything new about self or identity, given the vast amounts already written – but Alexander Douglas here presents a highly original, creative, and profound treatment. The reigning myth that looking inward is the essential way to find out who you are falls apart under his thoughtful exposition of three great thinkers who, in very different times and places, came to similar conclusions. Every thinker and researcher concerned with the self should read at least Douglas’s integrative introduction. — Roy F. Baumeister, author of The Self Explained: Why and How We Become Who We Are