Slavoj Žižek: Don't Act. Just Think. | Big Think | Summary and Q&A

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August 28, 2012
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Slavoj Žižek: Don't Act. Just Think. | Big Think

TL;DR

Capitalism as a form of religion; critique of anti-capitalism movements; importance of selecting relevant socio-political issues for debate.

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Key Insights

  • 🫵 Capitalism is viewed by Zizek as an ethical/religious category subordinating personal happiness to economic growth.
  • 🖤 Critique of anti-capitalist movements for lacking clear alternatives to capitalism.
  • 🤔 Bartleby lesson from Occupy Wall Street symbolizes a need for new thinking and solutions.
  • 🍗 Warning against regressing into servitude when trying to abolish market relations.
  • ❓ The importance of carefully selecting socio-political issues for debate that challenge ideology but are feasible to implement.
  • ❓ Criticism of the belief that capitalism is in its last stage, with the system thriving despite decay.
  • 🇪🇺 Acknowledgment of the failures of twentieth-century alternatives to capitalism like the Soviet Union.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does Zizek view capitalism?

Zizek sees capitalism as an ethical/religious category subordinating personal happiness to production and profit growth, akin to a form of religion.

Q: What critique does Zizek have of anti-capitalist movements?

Zizek criticizes anti-capitalist movements for lacking clear alternatives to capitalism and being unable to articulate a concrete replacement for the system.

Q: What is the Bartleby lesson from Occupy Wall Street?

The Bartleby lesson from Occupy Wall Street is the refusal to play the existing game, signaling a fundamental problem with the system and the need for new thinking.

Q: How does Zizek suggest addressing the flaws of capitalism?

Zizek advises careful consideration of socio-political issues like universal healthcare to stir public debate without being seen as utopian or promoting impossible agendas.

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • Capitalism viewed as an ethical/religious category where personal happiness is subordinated to production and profit growth.

  • Critique of critics of capitalism lacking clear alternatives and the Bartleby lesson from Occupy Wall Street.

  • Warning against regressing into servitude when trying to abolish market relations.

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