Quantum History w/ Slavoj Žižek

In 'Liberal Fascism', Jonah Goldberg presents a controversial argument that fascist movements were and are rooted in left-wing ideologies. He contends that the original fascists, including Mussolini and Hitler, were on the left and that their policies and principles share similarities with those of modern liberal progressives. Goldberg explores how fascist elements, such as statism, eugenic racism, and the suppression of individual freedoms, have been present in various forms of liberal and progressive movements throughout history. The book challenges the mainstream view that fascism is exclusively a far-right ideology and argues that the totalitarian impulse is a common thread among these movements.

In *Das Kapital* analysiert Karl Marx das kapitalistische System, indem er Konzepte wie den Mehrwert und die Ausbeutung der Arbeitnehmer durch Kapitalisten untersucht. Das Werk ist in drei Bände unterteilt, die sich mit der Produktion, dem Kapitalkreislauf und der Verteilung des Mehrwerts beschäftigen. Marx argumentiert, dass der Kapitalismus inhärent instabil ist und zu zyklischen wirtschaftlichen Krisen führt.

In 'Phenomenology of Spirit', Hegel outlines the fundamental nature and conditions of human knowledge and consciousness. The work is structured into several categories, including consciousness, self-consciousness, reason, spirit, religion, and absolute knowing. Hegel argues that knowledge emerges through a dialectical process where consciousness moves from sense-certainty to perception and then to understanding. He also examines the social and collective aspects of consciousness, highlighting the struggle for recognition and the development of self-awareness. The book culminates in the concept of absolute knowing, where the subject and object are unified, and the individual is fully integrated into the collective spirit.

G. W. F. Hegel's Philosophy of Right is a complex and influential work of political philosophy. It explores the nature of the state, civil society, and the ethical life of individuals within a larger social context. Hegel develops his concept of Geist (spirit) and its role in shaping historical and social development. The book examines the relationship between freedom, morality, and law, arguing that the state is the embodiment of ethical life. Its enduring influence stems from its profound insights into the dynamics of power, social institutions, and the human condition.

Written during the winter of 1857-58, the 'Grundrisse' develops the arguments outlined in the 'Communist Manifesto' and explores themes that would dominate Marx's later work 'Capital'. It includes Marx's own version of Hegel's dialectics and his mature views on labor, surplus value, and profit, offering insights into alienation, automation, and the dangers of capitalist society. The work provides a unique insight into Marx's wider-ranging philosophy and his hopes for the foundation of a communist state.