Episode #152 ... The Frankfurt School - Walter Benjamin pt. 1

In 'The Task of the Translator', Walter Benjamin delves into the complexities of translation, arguing that a translator's goal is not merely to convey meaning but to evoke the essence of the original work in the target language. He discusses the relationship between languages and the role of translation in revealing a 'pure language' that underlies all linguistic expressions.

In this influential essay, Walter Benjamin argues that mechanical reproduction devalues the 'aura' (uniqueness) of a work of art by making it reproducible on a mass scale. He discusses how this shift from cult value to exhibition value changes the role of art in society, making it more political and less tied to traditional ritualistic and magical functions. Benjamin also examines the impact of technologies like photography and film on the aesthetic experience, highlighting their potential for both revolutionary and propagandistic uses.

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.