"The History of Sexuality Vol 3: The Care of the Self" by Michel Foucault

Most people would have come across a mention of Foucault at some point in time, and I guess I'm no different. The first time I encountered this author, it was in a passing remark by my lecturer, who recommended his readings to us. However I never had the "courage" to read his book because I felt that its themes were probably of a depth I was not equal to, to understand.

Recently, on one of my whims, I picked up this book. "Care of Self" is the third volume in Foucault's "Histoire de la sexualité". [Introduction to the book at Wikipedia.org can be found here.]

I finished the book, but I confess that I struggled through many passages of it. Care of Self is basically Foucault's attempt to trace how ancient texts linked sexuality (be it physical, male-male relationships, conjugal relationships) and how it has been linked to the development of one's well-being and the value he sees in himself in the context of society, familial relationships. What comes out from this volume is therefore a thoughtful treatise on how sexuality was perceived through the ages, how it was held as essential in ancient times as a fundamental aspect to one's development of the soul, character and mind.

What makes this an interesting read for me was the fact that during my read, I was conscious at all times of how sexuality was perceived as a critical element in "care of self" vs. the modern and also slightly taboo view of sex, especially set against the modern backdrop of differing religions' view towards the topic. Foucault eventually makes reference to the intermingling of religion and sexuality at the very end, making the point that some ideas that percolated in the ancients' view of sexuality did eventually make its way into modern religion and views.

Also interesting for me is, notwithstanding the intention of the book being an attempt by the author to trace the history of sexuality, I found some ideas pertaining to self-fulfillment and conduct that was definitely worth further thinking about.

I won't say I understood everything, but I'm glad, in coming to the end of the book today, that I finished it!

Geek rating: 4 out of 5