Discussing Borges' 'The Zahir,' the hosts explore its themes of obsession, love, and idealism. They analyze the microcosm concept, Christian theology critique, and Borges's fascination with obsession. The episode also features a lively Thanksgiving debate with Christina Hoff Sommers and various topics like Bernie for President, Melinda Gates, and movie reviews.
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Quick takeaways
The Zahir symbolizes obsession with unattainable ideals and the dangers of losing oneself in pursuit of perfection.
The protagonist's fixation with the Zahir coin highlights the all-consuming nature of obsession, leading to neglect of basic needs.
Borges' exploration of the Zahir delves into its mystical dimensions and symbolic resonance, emphasizing its transformative power and divine mystery.
Deep dives
The Enigmatic Zahir Coin
The podcast introduces the mysterious Zahir coin that manifests in various forms throughout history. Initially embodied by a common 20 centavo coin in Buenos Aires, the Zahir symbolizes an object that captivates individuals who perceive it, leading to obsession and distress. The coin transitions from a symbol of infinite possibilities to an unnerving presence that overwhelms the protagonist with its magnetic allure.
A Tragic Tale of Olena Villar
The protagonist recalls the tragic story of Olena Villar, a former fashion model consumed by the pursuit of perfection. Her relentless quest for ideal beauty and glamour ultimately leads to her downfall. Struggling with financial hardships and losing her identity in the war, Olena retires and succumbs to a life of obscurity, culminating in her abrupt death.
The Coin's Grip on the Protagonist
The Zahir coin's impact intensifies as the protagonist becomes consumed by its presence, despite his initial attempts to dismiss its significance. The coin becomes an inescapable fixation, infiltrating his thoughts and dreams. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, he delves into the coin's mystical dimensions, exploring its symbolic resonance and existential implications.
Unveiling the Zahir's Intriguing Origins
The protagonist delves into the scholarly exploration of the Zahir's origins, revealing its Islamic significance as one of the 99 names of God denoting 'notorious' and 'visible.' As the concept unfolds in Muslim interpretations, the Zahir embodies unforgettable entities that induce madness and obsession. The protagonist grapples with the haunting allure of the Zahir, a manifestation of divine mystery and transformative power.
Obsession with the Zaheer
The protagonist of the story becomes consumed by an obsessional point represented by a coin called the Zaheer. The Zaheer holds the power to envelop the protagonist's entire existence, making him lose touch with reality and becoming his sole focus. This obsessive fixation with the Zaheer leads him to a state where he no longer cares about basic needs like sustenance or self-care, and he resigns himself to the overwhelming influence of the Zaheer.
Warnings on Idealism and Obsession
The narrative serves as a cautionary tale against idealism and the dangers of becoming fixated on a singular, abstract concept. It highlights the negative consequences of losing oneself in the pursuit of an unattainable perfection, symbolized by the Zaheer. The protagonist's descent into obsession with the Zaheer mirrors a broader commentary on the human tendency to become consumed by idealistic pursuits, leading to a loss of identity and connection with reality. The story underscores the potential pitfalls of relentless idealism and the consequences of surrendering oneself to singular obsessions.
David and Tamler happen across Jorge Luis Borges’ “The Zahir” and now they can’t stop thinking about it. What is the ‘Zahir’ – this object that can take many forms and that consumes the people who find it? What does it represent? Is it the fanaticism of being in love? The ever-present threat (and temptation) of idealism? A subtle critique of Christian theology? Is the Zahir a microcosm of everything? Why is Borges so obsessed with obsession?
Plus, it’s the annual drunken end-of-the night Thanksgiving ‘debate’ between Tamler and IDW stepmother extraordinaire Christina Hoff Sommers. Topics raised and then quickly dropped include Bernie for President, Melinda Gates, critic reviews of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and more. Stay tuned for the end when Christina finds her “notes”. (And for special cameos from David Sommers and Eliza).