A Short Treatise on Resistance
Dire non
20 Lessons in Practical Philosophy
In an age of noise, numbness, and creeping authoritarianism, what does it mean to resist—truly, deeply, and with integrity?
Renowned French philosopher and bestselling author Fabrice Midal offers a sharp yet soulful manifesto for ethical defiance in troubled times.
In A Short Treatise on Resistance, Midal presents 20 concise, thought-provoking lessons drawn from philosophy, literature, and lived experience—each one dismantling the subtle traps that numb, divide, and dehumanise us.
This is not a book of rage or easy answers. It is a guide to refusing hatred, resisting passivity, and reclaiming what makes life vivid and worth living. From transforming anger into purposeful action, to finding sanity in poetry over the 24-hour news cycle, Midal urges us to recognise beauty and meaning as acts of rebellion.
Whether it’s defending your private life in an age of surveillance, protecting language from manipulation, or simply going for a walk instead of succumbing to despair, each chapter reminds us: resistance begins in the everyday.
Accessible yet profound, this is a philosophical field guide for anyone who refuses to let cynicism, fear, or convenience dictate their humanity.
Reviews
Praise for Fabrice Midal:
‘With tact, humor and compassion, Midal sheds light on the things that poison our daily lives… he will breathe new life into a genre that can often feel uninspired.’—Lire
‘Compassionate and pragmatic in equal measure… could completely change your life.’—Elle