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Can the Humanities Survive an Increasingly Neoliberal World?

At a time when our society is becoming increasingly focused on profit, economic growth, and materialism, causing people to consider fields in the humanities impractical, Jeffrey R. Di Leo’s book Selling the Humanities attempts to tackle the issue of whether there is a place for the humanities in a neoliberal context. At the same time, Di Leo confronts the issue of whether it is possible to prove the value of the humanities while retaining the humanizing qualities that define this field. This book is a collection of twenty-four essays in which Di Leo analyzes a diverse assortment of critical issues within several areas of the humanities: literature, philosophy, critical theory, and music.

Throughout his essays, Di Leo addresses a broad range of topics within and outside academia; for example, the increase in self-publishing, the increasingly fast-paced nature of the publishing industry, the influence of Amazon on the industry, how philosophy can be applied to real-world problems, and how students are increasingly focused on studying practical degrees that will ultimately lead to increased chances of lucrative job placement.

Although it can seem fragmentary, Di Leo’s use of the essay format allows him to address this complicated issue that has many different layers. Throughout the book, Di Leo utilizes his experience as a professor of philosophy and English, Ph.D. student, editor of an academic journal, and publisher of his own academic writing to provide a well-balanced view on the humanities. He continues incorporating this balanced viewpoint by referencing other professionals within the humanities who have attempted to address this ongoing issue, critiquing their works and creating a place for his own unique perspective on this problem.

Di Leo’s book is recommended for college students who are studying or who are interested in studying the humanities, professionals within the field, as well as anyone who is interested in the humanities.