No Longer Human

No Longer Human is a semi-autobiographical novel by Osamu Dazai, published in 1948. It follows the life of Oba Yozo, a young man who feels alienated from society and struggles to connect with others. Yozo's life is marked by a deep sense of shame and self-loathing, which leads him to engage in self-destructive behaviors like substance abuse and promiscuity.

The novel's relation to late-stage capitalism:

While "No Longer Human" was written in post-war Japan, its themes resonate strongly with the dehumanizing aspects of late-stage capitalism. Here's how:

• Alienation and Isolation: Yozo's profound sense of alienation mirrors the isolation experienced by many individuals in a capitalist society. The relentless pursuit of wealth and success often comes at the cost of genuine human connection. Yozo's inability to form meaningful relationships reflects the breakdown of social bonds in a society driven by individualistic pursuits.
• Commodification of Human Life: The novel portrays a world where individuals are valued for their productivity and economic worth. Yozo's struggles with self-worth are exacerbated by his inability to conform to societal expectations and achieve financial success. This reflects the capitalist tendency to reduce human beings to mere cogs in the machine, valued only for their contribution to the economy.
• Loss of Authenticity: In a capitalist society, individuals often feel pressured to present a false self to fit in and succeed. Yozo adopts various personas to mask his inner turmoil, ultimately losing his sense of identity. This resonates with the loss of authenticity experienced by many individuals who feel compelled to conform to societal norms and expectations.
• Despair and Nihilism: Yozo's descent into despair and nihilism reflects the disillusionment experienced by those who feel trapped in a meaningless and alienating system. The novel's bleak outlook captures the sense of hopelessness that can arise in a society where material wealth is prioritized over spiritual fulfillment.

Overall, "No Longer Human" serves as a powerful critique of the dehumanizing effects of late-stage capitalism. It exposes the alienation, isolation, and loss of authenticity experienced by individuals in a society driven by economic imperatives. The novel's enduring popularity suggests that its themes continue to resonate with readers who grapple with the challenges of living in a capitalist world.