The Light That Failed

Synopsis

*Winner of the 2020 Lionel Gelber Prize*
FINANCIAL TIMES, ECONOMIST, PROSPECT and EVENING STANDARD BOOK OF THE YEAR PICK

A landmark book that completely transforms our understanding of the crisis of liberalism, from two pre-eminent intellectuals

Why did the West, after winning the Cold War, lose its political balance?

In the early 1990s, hopes for the eastward spread of liberal democracy were high. And yet the transformation of Eastern European countries gave rise to a bitter repudiation of liberalism itself, not only in the East but also back in the heartland of the West.

In this brilliant work of political psychology, Ivan Krastev and Stephen Holmes argue that the supposed end of history turned out to be only the beginning of an Age of Imitation. Reckoning with the history of the last thirty years, they show that the most powerful force behind the wave of populist xenophobia that began in Eastern Europe stems from resentment at the post-1989 imperative to become Westernized.

Through this prism, the Trump revolution represents an ironic fulfillment of the promise that the nations exiting from communist rule would come to resemble the United States. In a strange twist, Trump has elevated Putin's Russia and Orbán's Hungary into models for the United States.

Written by two pre-eminent intellectuals bridging the East/West divide, The Light that Failed is a landmark book that sheds light on the extraordinary history of our Age of Imitation.

Summary

Chapter 1

* Introduction of Dick Heldar, a successful painter who has recently lost his eyesight.
* Dick struggles to cope with his disability and the loss of his artistic career.
* He encounters Maisie, a young model and aspiring actress, and falls in love with her.

Real Example: Dick's struggles with blindness and the loss of his artistic abilities mirror the challenges faced by many individuals with disabilities.

Chapter 2

* Dick and Maisie's relationship deepens, and they become engaged.
* Dick accepts a commission to paint a mural for a public building.
* News of Dick's blindness spreads, and he faces skepticism and mockery from critics.

Real Example: The public's reaction to Dick's blindness highlights the prejudice and discrimination that people with disabilities often encounter.

Chapter 3

* Dick works tirelessly on the mural, determined to prove his talent despite his disability.
* Maisie becomes increasingly supportive, helping Dick overcome his fears and obstacles.
* Dick's health deteriorates due to the strain of overworking.

Real Example: Dick's unwavering determination to succeed in his craft demonstrates the resilience and determination that individuals with disabilities can possess.

Chapter 4

* Dick finishes the mural, which becomes a critical and commercial success.
* However, Dick's eyesight continues to worsen, and he eventually goes completely blind.
* Desperate and depressed, Dick resolves to end his life.

Real Example: Dick's tragic decision to take his own life reflects the despair and hopelessness that can result from severe disability.

Chapter 5

* Maisie discovers Dick's plan and confronts him.
* She reminds him of their love and the importance of living on.
* Inspired by Maisie's words, Dick changes his mind and embraces the future with renewed hope.

Real Example: Maisie's unwavering support and Dick's acceptance of his disability emphasize the power of love and resilience in overcoming adversity.