William Ospina explores one central and recurrent idea: that the kingdom of man may have reached its terminus. The civilization founded on human supremeacy, on the idea of the superiority of our species, must yield its place to a more respectful order, and order more amenable to the other creatures

William Ospina, Too Late For Man. Trans. by Nathan Budoff. Brookline Books, 1999.

This text revolves around the order and disorder of contemporary society. It explores one central and recurrent idea: that the kingdom of man may have reached its terminus. The civilization founded on human supremeacy, on the idea of the superiority of our species, must yield its place to a more respectful order, and order more amenable to the other creatures. It also argues that man will only find the road to his own survival if he abdicates his throne of arrogance and discreetly submits to the powers that truly govern life and sustain the universe. What meaning do illness, death, nature and leisure time have today, divested of the profundity afforded by a mythical outlook?

Too Late For Man is a scathing yet poetic critique of the pitfalls of modern society. Ospina's analysis in 6 essays takes a broad view of the troubles that afflict contemporary society. Each essay addresses a particular theme related to his hypothesis: the vital and philosophical attitude of Romanticism; the pitfalls of progress; the dangers of advertising; the power of doctors and the role of medicine; the decline of cities; the responsibilities of Latin America vis-a-vis Europe.

The prize-winning Colombian poet/essayist contends in this collection that modern man?heir to the effects of positivism and utilitarian practicality?has lost touch with the magical, spiritual elements so central (and so essential) to human society from time immemorial. Rather than herald humanity's triumph over nature, the twin mandates of Produce-Consume have reduced us to a frightful state devoid of all ethical contraints, where "the destiny of man is no more than a chain of constantly renewable appetites." Although Ospina is clearly not a lone voice in sounding this call, he nonetheless does so forcefully, artfully, and poignantly. And despite the gloomy outlook, there may yet be hope for humankind, if we take steps to recapture a sense of awe and humility that has apparently been lost. Highly engaging, this work is recommended for general readership.? - Charles E. Perry