The Wisdom Of Walter Benjamin - Against the Copy: Holding On to the Real in an Age of Reproduction!
Dec 3, 2025
Why do we still crave originals in a world of endless duplication? Psychologist Paul Bloom reveals that objects possess invisible essences shaped by their origins and stories. Childhood attachments to loved toys illustrate this intrinsic value. Meanwhile, philosopher Walter Benjamin discusses how the unique 'aura' of artworks is lost through reproduction, stripping them of their history and presence. The conversation highlights a modern yearning for authenticity, pushing back against the digital age's relentless copying. It’s a fascinating dive into our quest for the genuine!
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We Prefer Things With Histories
- Humans value objects for their origin and the stories they carry rather than only for physical qualities.
- Paul Bloom calls this 'natural essentialism': an object's history becomes part of how we perceive it.
Kids Favor Worn Comfort Objects
- Children prefer their worn blanket or teddy bear even when identical replacements exist.
- This early preference shows we attach value to an object's particular past and interactions.
Aura Comes From Unique Presence
- Walter Benjamin says originals possess an 'aura' tied to their unique existence in time and space.
- Mechanical reproduction strips that aura because copies lack the original's singular history and ritual context.
