Permanence and Change: An Anatomy of Purpose

First published in the US in 1935 by New Republic, public domain. ''Permanence and Change: An Anatomy of Purpose'' is a philosophical and rhetorical exploration of the concepts of permanence and change in human life and society, written by American literary theorist and philosopher Kenneth Burke. The book is divided into three parts, each of which examines a different aspect of the relationship between permanence and change. In the first part, Burke explores the ways in which human beings seek permanence and stability in a world that is constantly changing. He argues that our desire for permanence is rooted in our need for identity and meaning, and that we often create symbolic systems and institutions to give us a sense of stability and continuity. The second part of the book focuses on the ways in which social and cultural change occurs, and the role that language and rhetoric play in shaping our perceptions of the world. Burke argues that language is not just a tool for communication, but also a means of shaping our understanding of reality and influencing our behavior. Finally, in the third part of the book, Burke examines the relationship between permanence and change in the context of art and literature. He argues that art and literature are uniquely positioned to explore the tension between these two concepts, and that they can help us to better understand our own relationship to the world around us. Overall, ''Permanence and Change'' is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of some of the most fundamental questions of human existence, and an important contribution to the fields of philosophy, rhetoric, and literary theory.