The characteristic feature of modernity is criticism: what is new is set over and against what is old, and it is this constant contrast that constitutes the continuity of tradition.
Octavio PazRead
It is safest to grasp the concept of the postmodern as an attempt to think the present historically in an age that has forgotten how to think historically in the first place.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The postmodern reflects a challenge to understand history in an era that neglects historical thinking.
Fredric Jameson's quote highlights the importance of understanding postmodernism as a way to critically engage with the present by contextualizing it within historical frameworks. In an age that often overlooks historical narratives and values, grasping the essence of postmodern thought requires a conscious effort to reflect on how the past informs current realities and shapes our understanding of the contemporary world.
Themes
PostmodernismHistoryPresentThinkingUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a college lecture on cultural studies, a professor might introduce this quote to illustrate the complexities of modern thought.
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