Episode #201 ... Resistance, Love, and the importance of Failure. (Zizek, Byung Chul Han)
May 6, 2024
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Exploring postmodern dilemmas, the discussion delves into the concept of surplus enjoyment and how desire's pursuit can hold deeper meaning than its fulfillment. It critically examines competition within capitalism and its impact on self-awareness. Love is highlighted as a transformative force, challenging ideological constructs that shape identity. The conversation also critiques the illusion of freedom in a commodified world, urging individuals to engage with their true passions amidst societal expectations. It's a rich exploration of resistance and the significance of failure.
36:58
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Quick takeaways
Zizek discusses options for postmodernists: burn out, consumerism, or reviving traditions.
Surplus enjoyment highlights pleasure in pursuing desires, impacting behaviors and societal structures.
Deep dives
Postmodernist Choices for Living
Zizek discusses three main choices postmodernists have for living their lives. The first choice entails burning out, feeling aimless in a world devoid of objective meaning. The second option involves immersing oneself in capitalist pursuits, seeking validation in achievements and material possessions. The third choice suggests artificially reviving traditions of the past to find meaning. These choices highlight the struggle faced by individuals in a world without clear guiding narratives.
Surplus Enjoyment and Desire
Zizek delves into the concept of surplus enjoyment, proposing that individuals often derive pleasure not just from attaining desires, but also from the pursuit itself. Using examples like shopping for shoes, he illustrates how the process of seeking something, even if not achieved, can offer a distinct form of satisfaction. This surplus enjoyment can impact individuals' behaviors and contribute to maintaining societal structures through unfulfilled desires and symbolic fantasies.
Engaging Deeper for True Freedom
Zizek critiques modern notions of freedom in consumer society, highlighting that surface-level choices, like selecting between Nike and Adidas, do not lead to profound personal transformation. He advocates for engaging deeply with pursuits that challenge static identities, emphasizing the importance of continuous failure in striving for meaningful goals. By resisting superficial interactions and embracing an authentic engagement with the world, individuals can pursue a more profound sense of freedom and self-awareness.
Embracing Symptoms and Finding Meaning
Zizek explores the idea of embracing one's symptoms and engaging authentically with personal pursuits, rejecting surface-level consumerism. By valuing activities that offer continuous challenges and embracing failures as opportunities for self-discovery, individuals can resist static symbolic orders. Through genuine engagement and introspection, people can align their passions with personal growth, finding deeper meaning beyond commodifiable experiences.
Today we talk about a potential way to find meaning for someone prone to postmodern subjectivity. We talk about surplus enjoyment. Zizek's alcohol use, or lack thereof. Resisting surface level consumption. Love. And failure.
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