Understanding The Media - Marshall McLuhan
Understanding The Media - Marshall McLuhan
McLuhan was a Canadian philosopher, writer, and scholar who is considered one of the most influential media theorists of the 20th century.
In the book, McLuhan proposes that the medium itself, rather than the content it conveys, is the primary message that shapes human experience and society. He argues that each medium, from the printing press to television, has its own unique effects on human perception and cognition, and that these effects are often unconscious and pervasive.
The book is notable for its use of aphoristic, provocative statements, such as "the medium is the message" and "we shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us". It has been highly influential in fields such as media studies, cultural studies, and advertising, and has been cited as a precursor to the development of the internet and digital media.
"Understanding Media" is widely regarded as one of the most important books on media theory and has been translated into over 20 languages. It remains a thought-provoking and challenging read for anyone interested in the impact of media on human society and culture.