"We always find ourselves within a situation, and throwing light on it is a task that is never entirely finished. This is also true of the hermeneutic situation—i.e., the situation in which we find ourselves with regard to the tradition that we are trying to understand. The illumination of this situation—reflection on effective history—can never … Continue reading Self-Knowledge Is Never Complete
Frantz Fanon on Identity Drama
Our identities are shaped and exist in relation to others. The way others relate to me and the way I can relate to them is fundamental to my sense of self, of who I am. When relationships play such a crucial role, some amount of drama is inevitable. However, we can become the prisoners of … Continue reading Frantz Fanon on Identity Drama
Knowing Yourself As The Colonised
How does one become ‘the colonised’? Not in terms of a historical fact or political status, although they are certainly important elements, but in terms of an experience. If we think of being ‘the colonised’ as a way of experiencing one’s life, how does one become it? In his book, “Black Skin, White Masks”, Frantz Fanon explores … Continue reading Knowing Yourself As The Colonised
“Proper Study of Mankind is Man”
This famous line from the 18th-century English poet Alexander Pope's poem "An Essay on Man" is as captivating today as it was 300 years ago (especially if we mentally substitute 'man' with 'human'). Sometimes, when we fail to express our confused thoughts and feelings, we do what people have done for thousands of years - … Continue reading “Proper Study of Mankind is Man”
No Hospitality Without Borders?
In a fascinating exploration of hospitality, philosopher Jacques Derrida, founder of "deconstruction", noted that, paradoxically, hospitality requires clear boundaries between the private and the public. For me to be able to exercise hospitality towards a guest, I need to feel that the integrity of my private sphere, my "at home" where I choose to welcome … Continue reading No Hospitality Without Borders?
From Going East to Becoming The East
"There are multiple horizons depending on one's point of view. There might be what is east of you, but also the east side of the city where you live, or the eastern side of the country. But somebody's "east" becomes "the East", as one side of the globe. "What is east (of me/us)" becomes "the … Continue reading From Going East to Becoming The East
The Relational Self
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What is Present Through Its Absence?
"[T]he "straight line" is what shapes the very tendency to go astray. What is astray does not lead us back to the straight line, but shows us what is lost by following that line."Sara Ahmed keep exploring!
Worlds and World-Travelling according to Maria Lugones
What world do you live in? Is it the same as the one I inhabit? What about your friends, family, each and every person you pass by in the street, and all those billions you will never meet? In one sense, we all inhabit the same world - our one and only pale blue dot, … Continue reading Worlds and World-Travelling according to Maria Lugones
Paradox of Effort and Effect of Repetition
"If we work hard at something, then it seems "effortless".This paradox - with effort it becomes effortless - is precisely what makes history disappear in the moment of its enactment. The repetition of the work is what makes the work disappear... [R]epetition of action takes us in certain directions: we are also orientating ourselves toward … Continue reading Paradox of Effort and Effect of Repetition
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