Theory Underground

"Critical Theory Now Serves Billionaires" Helen Rollins on Political Economy, Surplus Genius, & Lack

Jun 16, 2024
Guest
Helen Rollins
Helen Rollins shares her journey with anti-intellectualism, touches on political economy, surplus genius, and lack. Topics include height perceptions, challenges in UK higher education, ambulance response times, Illich's critiques of schooling, intersection of Marxist and Freudian theories, and Theory Underground's goal of liberation.
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ANECDOTE

Teaching at Prestigious School Stress

  • Helen Rollins shares her experience teaching at a prestigious school under intense stress and illness.
  • The school's high demands and exploitation of young teachers contributed to her health decline.
ANECDOTE

Tutoring Wealthy Kids Experience

  • Helen began tutoring wealthy students for extra money, observing class differences in attitudes to education.
  • She noticed changing relationships to education across classes and over 10-15 years.
INSIGHT

Addiction to Capitalist Continuation

  • Capitalism persists despite knowledge due to addiction to its continuation and avoidance of real transformation.
  • Embracing lack, rather than magical thinking, is essential to overcoming neurosis and systemic problems.
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