The Dialectic of Enlightenment (by Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno)

"The Dialectic of Enlightenment" by Horkheimer and Adorno explores how the very ideas of reason and progress, which aimed to liberate humanity, have also contributed to domination, conformity, and cultural standardization. They argue that enlightenment thinking has led to a society where rationality and technology reinforce control rather than freedom, resulting in a culture of mass entertainment, consumerism, and loss of critical thought. Essentially, the book examines how Enlightenment's pursuit of knowledge can paradoxically suppress genuine individuality and critical reflection, fostering a society that is both enlightened and constrained.