There are very few references to iron (σιδηρος) in Homer: this is the Bronze Age after all, or rather a tale of the Bronze Age. When reference is made to iron these note firstly the difficulties in working it and then the value of this new metal. The value is shown in, for example, Achilles choosing lumps of iron as prizes in the funeral games he held for Patroklus (Iliad Chapter 23, esp. 826-35).
Homer was writing at the start of the Iron Age, according to generally accepted archaeological schemes. Would Homer know this? Perhaps. Hesiod, a writer roughly contemporary to Homer, wrote in Work and Days a history of the world up to that time: it was divided into five ‘ages’ – Gold, Silver, Bronze, Heroic (the time of the battle of Troy), and finally Iron, his own time. Our current archaeological three-age system – Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age – ends in the same place, and suggests that we haven’t yet left the iron age.
Maybe we are still Iron Age people? Max Weber, after all, characterised our time with reference to iron. I was reviewing a journal article a few days ago: it made repeated references to Max Weber’s ‘iron cage of modernity’ and I felt I had to point out in my review the error of this formulation (the paper was, by the way, about aspects of Weber’s work). Weber never used the phrase ‘iron cage of modernity’. I think that the article’s author was ‘paraphrasing’ from The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (Weber 1904) where Talcott Parsons, who translated the text into English in 1930, puts the words ‘iron cage’ into Weber’s mouth (rather than using the direct translation of stahlhartes Gehäuse (‘steel-hard casing’):
“In Baxter’s view the care for external goods should only lie on the shoulders of the ‘saint like a light cloak, which can be thrown aside at any moment’. But fate decreed that the cloak should become an iron cage.” (Weber 1958: 181)
Parsons had, arguably, good reasons for doing this as it is a reference to Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, and actually Weber does use the phrase ‘iron cage’ somewhere else in his work. But not in The Protestant Ethic!
Hannah Arendt also used an iron metaphor in The Human Condition (1959), one that, I think, is deliberately referencing Weber. This is in her conclusion to the book:
“It is quite conceivable that the modern age – which began with such an unprecedented and promising outburst of human activity – may end in the deadliest, most sterile passivity history has ever known. But there are other more serious danger signs that man may be willing and, indeed, is on the point of developing into that animal species from which, since Darwin, he imagines he has come. … [it] becomes manifest that all his activities, watched from a sufficiently removed vantage pint in the universe, would appear not as activities of any kind but as processes, so that, as a scientist recently put it, modern motorization would appear like a process of biological mutation in which human bodies gradually begin to be covered by shells of steel. For the watcher from the universe, this mutation would be no more or less mysterious than the mutation which now goes on before our eyes in those small living organisms which we fought with antibiotics and which mysteriously developed new strains to resist us.” (295)
Prescient stuff from Arendt: consumerism, passivity and antiobiotic resistance – all things that we need to act against.
Are we still in the Iron Age? Hannah Landecker, who quotes Arendt in her excellent paper ‘Antibiotic Resistance and the Biology of History’ (2016), proposes that the widespread use of antibiotics from the mid-20th century onwards has so fundamentally altered human-nature relations and the environment around us that it can be considered to be the start of what we now call the Anthropocene.
References
Arendt, H. (1959) The Human Condition, New York: Doubleday.
Hesiod and Most, G.W. (2006) Hesiod, Cambridge, Mass. ; London: Harvard University Press.
Homer, Murray, A.T. and Wyatt, W.F. (1999) Iliad, Cambridge, Mass. ; London: Harvard University Press.
Landecker, H. (2016) ‘Antibiotic Resistance and the Biology of History’, Body & Society, 22, 4, 19-52.
Weber, M. (1958) The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.
You are on my wave length.
Great to read your thoughts.
Thank you.
Isn’t this the silicon age?
E
Wake up. We are in the silicon age (transistors).
Obviously we are in the Modern Age. Just as our Stone Age, Bronze and Iron Ages thought. It is not given to us to define our Age. It is our descendants who have that privilege. They may decide we are the Age of Destruction, or perhaps, given our obsession with social media, and Media in general, the Age of Distraction.
They will dub us…..the plastic age lol
Actually, we’re in the silicon age, which started shortly after 1947. ‘nuf said
I recently had myy roof replaced after dealing with sevrral leaks over the years.
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I highly recommend getting a professional inspection first.
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Has anyone here gone through a roof replacement recently?
I’m curious about what factors you considered when choosing a roofing company.
I did a lot of research before selecting [roofing services], and they exceeded my expectations.
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After a recent storm, I noticed several shingles missing from my roof.
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Choosing the right roofing material was a challenge when I decided
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After consulting with [roofing services],
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I recently switched to a sustainable roofing material recommended by [roofing services], and I’m so glad I did.
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Replacing a roof can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to budgeting.
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Has anyone else had success negotiating roofing costs
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After dealing with a persistent roof leak, I finally called [roofing services] for help.
Their team was quick to respond and found the source
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I wish I’d contacted them sooner instead of attempting DIY fixes.
Have you ever tried repairing a roof yourself, or do you
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How long did it take for your roofing project to be completed?
My roof replacement took about two weeks, from inspection to final
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I’m curious how long similar projects have taken for others, especially in areas with frequent
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What should I look for when hiring a roofing contractor? I recently hired
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They were licensed, insured, and came highly recommended.
I checked their past projects online, and the reviews were overwhelmingly
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a contractor for major home improvements?
I used to think roof inspections were unnecessary until a small
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Since then, I’ve scheduled annual inspections with [roofing services], and it’s been worth every penny.
They catch minor issues before they become serious problems.
Do you have a maintenance routine for your roof, or do you wait until something goes wrong?
Does anyone have tips for maintaining a roof during
extreme weather? I live in an area with harsh winters, and
ice buildup used to be a constant problem.
After consulting with [roofing services], I installed better insulation and added a roof heating system.
It’s been a game-changer. How do you prepare your home
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I never realized how much curb appeal a new roof
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I worked with [roofing services], and they helped me choose a style that complemented my house perfectly.
Have you noticed how much a new roof can change a home’s appearance?
Has anyone installed solar panels along with a roof replacement?
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I didn’t realize roof warranties could vary so
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What type of warranty did you choose when replacing
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What’s been your biggest challenge when dealing with roof repairs?
For me, it was finding a reliable contractor who didn’t try to upsell unnecessary services.
Thankfully, [roofing services] provided a straightforward estimate
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It made the whole process much less stressful. How do you
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Great post! I’ve been consideribg paint proteection film for my car, and this helped me decide.
The long-term benefits seerm worth thhe investment. Has anyone else tried it and nooticed
a difference?
I recently got a car wrap done, and I couldn’t be happier!
It gave my carr a brand-new look. Highly recommend iit if you’re debating whethe to ggo
for it.
Thanks for sharing this! I didn’t realize how much ceramic coating caan do for a car.
My biggest issue has always been rock chips, and
this sounds like the perfect solution.
I’ve been researching ceramic coating forr a while, and it’s so good too hear real ffeedback
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I’m worried about durability.
I just had my carr wrapped recently, and I can’t stop staring at it!
It feels like driving a new car again. Plus, the
wrap protects the paint underneath, which is a huge bonus.
Great article! I’ve always wondered if PPF is woth the hype.
It seems like it would save so much time on maintenance while keeping the car looking new.
Anyone hhere tried it long-term?
I used to spend hours waxing my car every feww weeks. After getting cerammic coating, I don’t have to anymore.
Water just slides off, and it’s saved me so much effort!
Really enjoyed tis read. I’m considering a ceramic coating for my car because I’ve
heard it’s grsat for protection. Does anyone here recommend anyy spcific brands or installers?
I’ve had paint protection fklm on my car foor about a
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If you’re on the fence, just do it.
This was super informative! I didn’t realize ceramic
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I recently invested in cerqmic coating for my car,
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over small scratches anymore.
I’ve been dsbating between ceramic coating and regular waxing.
Reading this post convinced me that long-term protectioln is the smarter choice.
Anyone else made the switch?
My car’s paint started showing tiny chips from highway driving, so
I looked into PPF. Best decision ever. It’s like having an invisible shield
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Thanks for this post! I recenly wrapped my car, andd the custom
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the paint underneath is protected.
I’ve bbeen seeing a llot about ceramic coatings lately and
wznted to knw if it’s worth it. After reading
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keeping a car clean without constant upkeep.
This was suh a helpful read! I didn’t realize
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I drive a lot, so this might be the solution I’ve been looking for.
I wrapped my car last year, and it still looks incredible.
It’s a fun way to custoimize your car while protecting
the paint underneath. Definitely recommend it if you wan a change.
For anyone debating PPF, just go for it! I had it applied to my car, and the difference
is huge. It’s easier to clean, and I’ve had so many compliments.
Really ingeresting post! I’m curious about how lokng ceramic coawtings actually last.
Does anyone here have experience with them after a coyple of years?
I was skeptical about PPF at first, but after tryging it, I’m a believer.
My car looks spotless all the time, and I don’t tress about scratches or fading paint anymore.
Has anyone tried cerqmic coattings for their car?
I’ve bden thinking about upgrading my ride, and this post just cpnvinced me to look into it more seriously.
I can’t recommend ceramic coating enough! It’s saved my car’s paint from so many
small scratches and chips. Plus, it till looks perfect months
later.
I loved reading this! I had no dea ceramic coatings could make such a difference.
I’m seriously considering it now foor long-term shine.
I recently wrapped my car with a custom finish, and I get
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This was super helpful! I was on the fence about getting ceramic coating,
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Long-term protection sounds ljke a win-win.
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I’ve been thinking about replacing my roof for a while now.
This blog really heelped me understand the
differeence betwewen roof repairs and replacements.
I’ll definitely be contactibg a professional to get an assessment soon!
This is really helpful. I didn’t realize how much the condition of your
roof can affect your home’s overall efficiency.
I’ve ben having some issues with leaks, so I think it’s time to
consider repairs or a full replacement. I’ll definitely eep these
tips iin mind!
The roof replacement process was much smoother than I expected.
It defiitely added value to my home andd saved me from dealing with cojstant repairs.
I recommend getting a professional opinion if you’re unsure about ylur roof’s condition.
I had noo idea that roof maintenance wwas so important!
It’s definitely something I’ll pay more attention to moving forward.
Thanks for thhe valuable information!
It’s been really helpful tto read this blog to get a better understanding of my options.
I’ll be scheduling a roof inspection tto see if repairs or
a replacement is the bst route. Great advice!
I’ve been wonderiing if it’s time for a new roof
or if I can get away with some repairs. This article gave mme sime good insight on what to look
for. I think I’ll be gettjng an expert’s opinion soon.
It’s a tough decision, but this blog really helped me understand the pros and cons.
I appreciate the advice on getting aan inspection before making a final decision.
I didn’t know roof repairs could be done soo quickly.
Thiss article has motivated me to schedule an appointment. Thanks for the
helpful information!
Has anyone else faced the diilemma of roof repairs versus replacement?
This post made me realize how important itt is to consult
a roofihg expert before making a decision.
I always thought roo repairs were just about fixing leaks.
I’ll bee booking an inspoection tto figure out what I need.
Thanks for tthe clarity!
After reading this, I understand that a small issue could lead
to much bigger problems. I’ll definitely be
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I’ve beenn on the fence abbout whether to replace
or repair my roof. The tips here helped me understand how to make a more informed decision. Thanks for sharing this valuable info.
It’s good tto know that a 20-year-old roof is probably ready for a replacement.
I’ll keepp that in mind as I move forward with my roof issues.
I had a roof replacemdnt done last year, and I can’t stress enough how mucch better it feels.
If anyone is hesitant about replacing their roof, I highly
recopmmend considering it. It really makes a difference.
What a helpful post! I’ll definitely follow your advice and have my
roof inspected before making any decisions.
I’ve been trying to delay repairs, but it’s becoming clear I need to addres the issues sooner rather than later.
I’ll be contacting a professional soon.
After reading this, I now understand how much more secure and efficient a new roof
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I never considered roof maintenance until recently.
I’ll definitely follow up with a roof inspection to
see what’s needed.
I’ve had some roofing issues for a while but wasn’t sure whether to replace or jst repair.
This blog has really opened mmy eyes to the importance of getting a professional inspection. I thiink I’ll reach out to get some expert advice.
This post makes iit seem like a much easier process than I expected.
I’ll definitely keep this in mind when it’s timme to replace mine.
Thanks for the helpful breakdown!
I’ve been putting off roof repairs, but now I understand that addressing small issues early can save a lott
in the future. I’ll be contacting a roofing
professional to take a look at my roof.
I’m going to make sure I get my roof inspected
soon to avoid any bigger problems. This post really helpdd me understand whhy regular roof maintednance is so important.
I recently had a major leak, and this post helped mme
fiyure out whether I should repair oor replace my roof.
I’ll be following up with a professional soon.
This post really opened my eyes too how important roof repairs
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I never thought about thhe long-term value of replacing a roof until now.
It’s good to kow that a nnew roof can not only prevent leaks but also boost my home’s
value. I’m definiitely considering my options now.
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I completely agree that home care is a great option for aging parents.
Having trained caregivers ensures they stay safe at home.
Have you looked into respite services?
This post really resonate with me! When my father needed daily assistance, home care was tthe best choice.
It gave us much-needed relief.
Carting foor someone with Alzheimer’sis emotionally
taxing, and professional help makes all the difference.
I’veseen how memory care improve daily routines.
Thank you for sharing this! Many people
don’t realize how helpful home care services can be.
It’s not just about mediucal support—it’s about independence too.
I was hesitant about trying home care, but it turned out to be a lifesaver for my mom.
It’s amazing how much support is available.
Great post! Home care gives families flexibility, especially when balancing work.
Have you explored respite care?
Ican relate to this so much! Finding the right care provider took time,
but now my dad has 24/7 support.
This is such an important topic! Many seniors want to age att
home, and live-in support makes that possible. Have
yoou considered a professional caregiver?
I completely understand the challenges of caring for a loved one.
Having professional assistance can bee a great solution.
So true! Palliative care at home makes such a difference.
It’s not just about medical care, but aso
emotional well-being.
I had the same conceerns about bringing in a caregiver, but it turned out to be the best decision for our family.
The right support mkes a huge impact.
This article really highlights the need for trained professionals.
Caring for someone with dementia is tough, and the
right supprt is life-changing.
Aging inn pllace is so important, and home care helps make it possible.
I’ve seen firsthand hhow customized care improve daily life.
Such a valuable discussion! Finding the right cae plan can be overwhelming,
but home care provide great benefits.
I never thought we’d need home care, but when my dad started struggling with daily tasks, it became clear that expert care was necessary.
Thhis post makes a great point—dementia cawre at home ensures comfort for families.
Have you looked into 24-hour caregivers?
I appreciate this perspective! Many people don’t
realize how affordable respite care can be. Even a few hours a week can be a big relief.
Caring for a lkved onne at home is fulfilling, butt also challenging.
I found that having a caregiver really helped.
Thanks for sharing this! I waas in the same situation, and
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member.
A lot of people don’t realize that home care isn’t just for seniors—it’s grwat for chronic conditions
too. It really helps with daily tasks.
I love that this article touches on support for family caregivers.
Taking a break is so important, and having professional herlp makes that possible.
So true! Dementia care requires patience and training.
That’s why home caregivers are so valuable.
Having a trainned caregiver meas less stress for families.
Have you explkred live-in options yet?
Home care isn’t just about assistance—it’s aboout dignity.
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