The Idea of Waste: A Deep Dive into Humanity's Relationship with Trash

John Scanlan's 'The Idea of Waste: On the Limits of Human Life' isn't just about garbage; it's a sweeping historical and philosophical exploration of how humanity has dealt with waste throughout history. From ancient Rome's Cloaca Maxima to modern-day data centers, Scanlan traces how our methods of waste disposal reflect our values and shape our cities, societies, and cultural imaginations. He argues that 'waste' is more than just discarded objects—it's a concept that shapes our perception of the world. Through insightful historical analysis and cultural commentary, the book challenges readers to rethink our relationship with the discarded and the implications for the future.