The conversation revolves around the life and work of Slavoj Žižek, a Slovenian Marxist intellectual and philosopher. Žižek is known for his public appearances, particularly at events like Occupy Wall Street, which have helped establish his reputation as a popular anti-capitalist philosopher. Unlike many other anti-capitalist philosophers, Žižek is noted for his sense of humor, which is reflected in his latest project, a film titled "The Perverts' Guide to Ideology."
The film uses Hollywood blockbusters to explain why many people remain entranced by capitalist power structures. Žižek believes that the function of such films is to unite various fears into one, allowing people to trade their individual fears for a collective one. He also discusses his use of cinema as a tool to analyze the world and illustrate current ideological landscapes.
In the conversation, Žižek also shares his perspective on the London riots, the Egyptian revolution, and the Syrian conflict. He argues that these events are not merely acts of violence, but also signs of a desire for change. He believes that the key to escaping from the current system is not through large-scale protests, but through individual acts of self-destruction.
Finally, Žižek discusses his views on the future of revolutions, suggesting that every authentic revolution is not only directed towards the future but also redeems past failed revolutions. He believes that the ghosts of these past revolutions will find their home in the new freedom.
1. The speaker is discussing Slavoj Zizek, a Slovenian Marxist intellectual who has written about 75 books.
2. Zizek's public appearances, particularly at lectures and events like Occupy Wall Street, have helped cement his position as a popular anti-capitalist philosopher.
3. Unlike many other anti-capitalist philosophers, Zizek has a sense of humor.
4. Zizek's latest project is a film, "The Perverts Guide to Ideology," directed by Sophie Finds.
5. Zizek uses Hollywood blockbusters to explain why the majority of us remain enthralled by capitalist power structures.
6. The speaker is a fan of Zizek's work and has met him in Slovenia.
7. Zizek is quoted as saying he is the most dangerous philosopher in the West.
8. Zizek is a joker and can be a Stalinist when given power.
9. Zizek uses cinema as a tool to illustrate where we are ideologically today.
10. Zizek believes that societies can only survive through a benevolent lie.
11. Zizek uses the example of a boss in a postmodern company to illustrate the first step to liberation.
12. Zizek uses the example of a taxi driver in a film to illustrate how to kick off ideology.
13. Zizek believes that the key event in Arab countries over the last decades is the disappearance of the secular left.
14. Zizek is against the current situation in Syria, which he describes as a technic religious conflict.
15. Zizek believes that every revolution, if it is authentic, is not only directed towards the future but also redeems past failed revolutions.