Monday, August 11, 2008

An Interview Worth Reading: Zizek Speaks


Slavoj Zizek, the prolific writer and philosopher, has just given a gripping interview. Some of his answers are too good not to be read. A few samples:

"When were you happiest?

A few times when I looked forward to a happy moment or remembered it - never when it was happening.
...
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Indifference to the plights of others.
...
What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Their sleazy readiness to offer me help when I don't need or want it.
...
What makes you depressed?

Seeing stupid people happy.
...
What does love feel like?

Like a great misfortune, a monstrous parasite, a permanent state of emergency that ruins all small pleasures.
...
What or who is the love of your life?

Philosophy. I secretly think reality exists so we can speculate about it.
...
Have you ever said 'I love you' and not meant it?

All the time. When I really love someone, I can only show it by making aggressive and bad-taste remarks."

Read the entire interview here.
graph per guardian

13 comments:

B.R. said...

I simply had to include Paul's reaction to Zizek's interview, "i hope never to meet that man, but find his cynicism highly comical."

per Paul K.

Anonymous said...

Strangely, I find myself liking this guy.....

Anonymous said...

"a permanent state of emergency that ruins all small pleasures."
I AGREE!
Off to the library to read up on this guy.....

Anonymous said...

and how scary/good is that picture?!

B.R. said...

And this is what a psychologist friend of mine just emailed me re: the Zizek piece:

"How I would love to be his therapist!!!"

Anonymous said...

Amen, bro!

"What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Their sleazy readiness to offer me help when I don't need or want it."

Liam said...

wow! will definitely read this interview... :)

Anonymous said...

touche on the most embarrassing moment.

Bri- What do you recommend that I read first from him?

Anonymous said...

Indifference is a tough beast to shake.... I agree.

Anonymous said...

His answers are wicked! Boy, this guy is helpless. And yet, I got a little bit of pleasure out of reading him....

Anonymous said...

Scary. Scary dude. Does he really write the way he speaks?
?!?!?!

Anonymous said...

Scary. Scary dude. Does he really write the way he speaks?
?!?!?!

aflo said...

i love him!