Morning Comrades.
I am sick as a dog as I am writing this and will keep things brief(ish) today. I started a new job last Monday and with that spent very little time online, something I always tell myself to, knowing full well how much better I fare mentally and subsequently physically when that is the case but more often than not ignore, because, well, we all know how it is. Little dopamine addicts that we have been turned into by a bunch of Silicon Valley Faschos keen to buy 17 yachts. It is what it is and as the young Marx said, “We have no compassion and we ask no compassion from you. When our turn comes, we shall not make excuses for the terror.” - In any case, the point I am getting at is that I wanted to share a little helping hand, one that has worked for me for ages and figured could be helpful to everyone else, and this “helping hand” comes from none other than Antonio Gramsci. This is where philosophy becomes more than the classical study it is known for and truthfully, where it gets really fun and important.
One of his most famous quotes, one that is technically an interpretation by Slavoj Žižek and not Gramsci himself is: “The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters.” and this is true today, as it was in the 1920s. Everything we thought we knew turns out to be bullshit, all leadership institutions and people have exposed themselves as greedy little bastards hell bent on destruction and none of us really are surviving it, healthy. A very superficial analysis of the last 40 years I know but here we are, this fever is making inpatient. Coming back to a young Marx then: “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it.”- and considering the state of the world and the hell it is doing to our health, we arrive at the later part of that statement and that is where Gramsci comes in, with, in my opinion, his most important understanding of what needs to be done.
"In a world rife with complexity and adversity, Gramsci's notion of 'pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will' reminds us to confront the harsh realities while holding onto the belief that positive change is attainable." - Angela Y. Davis
Antonio Gramsci's famous dictum, "pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will," is a compelling concept that holds particular relevance in today's challenging times. Now let us delve into the meaning of this idea, its applicability to contemporary issues, and its roots in Marxist ideology in relation to metaphysics and materialism.
Gramsci's "pessimism of the intellect" signifies a clear-eyed acknowledgment of the harsh realities of the world. It encourages us to critically analyze the complex problems and injustices that surround us without deluding ourselves with rose-colored glasses. This aspect of Gramsci's idea resonates strongly with the difficulties we face in the 21st century. Climate change, economic inequality, political polarization, and the ongoing global pandemic are just a few examples of the profound challenges that confront us. The "pessimism of the intellect" compels us to confront these issues head-on, acknowledging their depth and complexity. This is hugely important in tackling the omnipresent fatigue and the manufactured callouses resulting from this. They want us to be tired, timid and ignorant of their bullshit. The opposite is what needs to be done.
On the other hand, the "optimism of the will" emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope, determination, and agency in the face of adversity. In the midst of these challenges, we must not succumb to fatalism or despair. Instead, we should draw inspiration from the belief that collective action and social change are possible. This optimism encourages us to channel our intellectual understanding of problems into constructive and transformative action. It motivates us to engage in social and political struggles, advocating for a fairer, more just world. Just as Bertold Brecht said: “Happiness is Help”. Please make the jump from that to the importance of non-transactional Mutual Aid in your life.
"In the age of information overload and existential crises, Gramsci's call for intellectual sobriety and tenacious hope is a guiding light for those seeking to navigate our complex world." - Judith Butler
Marxism, as a philosophical framework, is deeply concerned with the material conditions and class struggle. The "pessimism of the intellect" aligns with the Marxist emphasis on understanding the material underpinnings of society. It calls for a critical examination of the power structures, economic systems, and social hierarchies that contribute to our difficulties.
Marxism, particularly through its historical materialism, argues that our ideas and ideologies are shaped by our material conditions. Gramsci's "pessimism of the intellect" corresponds to this by urging us to examine these conditions critically and recognize how they perpetuate social inequalities and injustices.
Simultaneously, the "optimism of the will" echoes the Marxist belief in the potential for revolutionary change. We hold that by organizing and uniting the working class, people can transform society for the better. This optimistic stance aligns with Gramsci's call to maintain hope and willpower in the face of adversity. It underscores the importance of actively working towards a more equitable and just world.
"Gramsci's concept is a reminder that realism need not breed apathy; it can be the catalyst for social change, as long as we retain our unwavering commitment to a more just and equitable society." - David Harvey
The dictum "pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will" offers a valuable perspective for addressing contemporary challenges. It encourages us to engage critically with the world's complexities while maintaining the hope and determination necessary for positive change. Moreover, this idea has its roots in Marxist ideology, aligning with the Marxist emphasis on materialism and the potential for transformative action. In a world filled with difficulties, Gramsci's dictum serves as a guiding principle, reminding us to both analyze the problems rigorously and work optimistically towards a brighter future.
This gets me through almost every day.
Your Communist Life Coach,
V.