Becoming ‘Self-Made’ Stars in a Secular Age
SELF-MADE: Crafting Our Identities from da Vinci to the Kardashians, written by Tara Isabella Burton, is an exploration of how individuals throughout history have transformed the way people perceive and represent themselves. Burton uses Kim Kardashian as an example of the nihilistic, aristocratic tradition, which includes figures like Beau Brummell. Brummell’s grooming routine and extravagant lifestyle attracted a large following. This tradition has now evolved into the modern “get ready with me” routine popularized through online platforms.
Burton, a novelist with a background in theology, travel and religion writing, guides readers on a journey through different time periods and cultures, exploring concepts like “sprezzatura,” “bon ton,” and “Übermensch.”
Burton argues that in our increasingly secular society, individuals have taken on godlike power and responsibility over their own bodies and identities. She observes that we have become creators of ourselves and the world around us, aided by technologies like search engines and social media platforms.
While “Self-Made” is advertised as starting with Leonardo da Vinci, it actually begins with the German artist Albrecht Dürer, who pioneered self-portraiture and often depicted himself as Jesus Christ. Burton draws connections between Dürer, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and their various self-branded products. However, there are many other stops along the way to explore.
One of these stops is Oscar Wilde, who believed that artistic creation and the creation of oneself were the highest forms of human achievement. Burton also mentions Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist who spoke about being a “self-made man” and the importance of hard work.
According to Burton, individual identity has evolved alongside technological advancements. Figures like Thomas Edison and the advent of television and tape recordings transformed how people presented themselves to the public. Nowadays, smartphones have become integral to our lives, further shaping our self-identity.
While reading “Self-Made,” readers may feel like they are exploring a museum with a knowledgeable guide. Burton uncovers fascinating historical tidbits, such as the glue incident orchestrated by futurist Filippo Tommaso Marinetti or the hair powder tax imposed by Prime Minister William Pitt, the Younger. However, the book may feel less focused and more like a tour rather than a deep exploration of the subject.
Despite its scope, “Self-Made” provides a wealth of information to support its central idea. Burton offers an engaging exploration of the concept of creating one’s own identity. It would be interesting to see how Burton develops her ideas with more focus in the future.
SELF-MADE: Crafting Our Identities from da Vinci to the Kardashians | By Tara Isabella Burton | 288 pp. | Public Affairs | $3
SELF-MADE: Creating Our Identities from da Vinci to the Kardashians, by Tara Isabella Burton
The Kardashians have achieved great success in America by selling a wide range of products, including shapewear, cosmetics, and beverages. In Tara Isabella Burton’s book “Self-Made,” she explores the ways in which individuals throughout history have transformed the way people view and represent themselves.
Burton refers to Kim Kardashian as the culmination of the nihilistic, aristocratic tradition, which includes figures like Beau Brummell. Brummell’s grooming routine and extravagant lifestyle attracted a large following. This tradition has now evolved into the modern “get ready with me” routine popularized through online platforms.
As a novelist with a background in theology and extensive travel and religion writing, Burton guides readers on a journey through different time periods and cultures, exploring concepts like “sprezzatura,” “bon ton,” and “Übermensch.”
Burton argues that in our increasingly secular society, individuals have taken on godlike power and responsibility over their own bodies and identities. She observes that we have become creators of ourselves and the world around us, aided by technologies like search engines and social media platforms.
While “Self-Made” is advertised as starting with Leonardo da Vinci, it actually begins with the German artist Albrecht Dürer, who pioneered self-portraiture and often depicted himself as Jesus Christ. Burton draws connections between Dürer, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and their various self-branded products. However, there are many other stops along the way to explore.
One of these stops is Oscar Wilde, who believed that artistic creation and the creation of oneself were the highest forms of human achievement. Burton also mentions Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist who spoke about being a “self-made man” and the importance of hard work.
According to Burton, individual identity has evolved alongside technological advancements. Figures like Thomas Edison and the advent of television and tape recordings transformed how people presented themselves to the public. Nowadays, smartphones have become integral to our lives, further shaping our self-identity.
While reading “Self-Made,” readers may feel like they are exploring a museum with a knowledgeable guide. Burton uncovers fascinating historical tidbits, such as the glue incident orchestrated by futurist Filippo Tommaso Marinetti or the hair powder tax imposed by Prime Minister William Pitt, the Younger. However, the book may feel less focused and more like a tour rather than a deep exploration of the subject.
Despite its scope, “Self-Made” provides a wealth of information to support its central idea. It would be interesting to see how Burton develops her ideas with more focus in the future. Overall, the book offers an engaging exploration of the concept of creating one’s own identity.
SELF-MADE: Creating Our Identities from da Vinci to the Kardashians | By Tara Isabella Burton | 288 pp. | Public Affairs | $3
