Slavoj Zizek Meets Ash Sarkar - A 75th Birthday Celebration
May 10, 2024
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Philosopher Slavoj Žižek and journalist Ash Sarkar engage in a thought-provoking discussion on topics ranging from exploring desires and Marx's analysis in the economy to unveiling contradictions of secularism, navigating identity, and discussing global issues and social change. A fascinating glimpse into the mind of 'the most dangerous philosopher in the West'.
Slavoj Žižek dislikes celebrating birthdays and humorously compares his birth to Buddha, highlighting his childhood dreams of becoming a movie director.
Žižek emphasizes Marx’s theory of commodity fetishism to uncover hidden beliefs in capitalist societies and stresses the importance of understanding these concepts for social analysis.
Deep dives
Slavoj Žižek's Unique Take on Birthdays and Life
Slavoj Žižek, the Hegelian philosopher and communist, shares a unique perspective on birthdays, revealing his dislike for celebrating them. He humorously compares himself to being born like Buddha, fully formed and wise. Despite joking about never being born, he fondly discusses his childhood dream of becoming a movie director and his passion for staging a Wagner opera, showcasing a different side to his philosophical persona.
Exploring Marx's Relevance in Today's Economy
Slavoj Žižek delves into the relevance of Marx's theories in today's economy, highlighting the shift towards using volume two of Capital to analyze economic structures. He emphasizes Marx's concept of commodity fetishism, explaining how it reflects the illusions and superstitions embedded in capitalist societies. Žižek underlines the importance of understanding these concepts to reveal the hidden beliefs influencing everyday social interactions.
Challenges of Cancel Culture and Identity Politics
Žižek critiques cancel culture, expressing concerns about its exclusionary practices and lack of a clear program or goal. He raises issues with how identity politics often overlook the experiences of economically marginalized individuals while focusing on privileged groups. Additionally, he highlights the need for a broader approach that includes understanding real-world suffering beyond symbolic gestures.
Reflections on Death and Dying
The podcast episode touches on Žižek's thoughts on death and dying, where he candidly discusses his fears of a painful dying process. He shares his dream scenario of a doctor providing a painless way to end his life when it is time, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful departure. Žižek relates a story about Hannah Arendt's peaceful death, showcasing his contemplation on the most ideal way to face mortality.
Erudite and comic, ironic and profound, philosopher Slavoj Žižek has travelled into territory where few of us dare to tread – and at 75 he shows no signs of becoming less provocative. In this very special birthday podcast, he shares his life story and intellectual journey with broadcaster and journalist Ash Sarkar. A one-of-a-kind glimpse into the makings of the man widely known as ‘the most dangerous philosopher in the West’.