In the midst of a rapidly changing global landscape, where old geopolitical certainties are crumbling, a quote has emerged as a powerful and evocative summary of our current moment. The phrase, 'The time of monsters,' has been attributed to the former Italian Communist party leader, Antonio Gramsci. But what does this quote actually mean, and where did it come from?
The Power of the Phrase
'The time of monsters' has become a popular and oft-quoted phrase, used to describe the current era of seemingly senseless events and political upheaval. It evokes a sense of repulsion and disbelief, as if we are witnessing the monsters that arise when reason is suspended, as described in Goya's famous etching, 'The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters.'
Gramsci's Original Words
However, it is important to note that Gramsci never actually wrote or said this exact phrase. In his notebooks, filled with thoughts on political theory, philosophy, and linguistics, he wrote, 'In questo interregno si verificano i fenomeni morbosi più svariati.' This translates to, 'In this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.' While it is a powerful statement, it lacks the snappy wording that has made it go viral.
The Rise of the 'Time of Monsters'
The first recorded use of 'time of monsters' in connection with Gramsci was in a 2010 article by the Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek. He used the quote to lend poetic gravitas to the challenge posed by the eurozone's banking crisis to the left. However, Žižek insisted that the monsters were not his own creation, but rather a phrase he had taken from elsewhere.
The French Connection
In fact, a French version of the phrase predates Žižek's use. The economist and urbanist Gustave Massiah wrote, 'Dans ce clair-obscur surgissent les monstres,' which translates to, 'In this twilight monsters arise.' This phrase was used in the pages of Le Monde as early as 1996.
Gramsci's Enduring Relevance
While the exact origin of Gramsci's monsters remains elusive, his ideas remain potent today. The Prison Notebooks, published in 1947, were written during concentrated periods when Gramsci was allowed pen and paper in his cell. They distill his thoughts on hegemony, the ruling class, and the intersection of popular and high culture. This cultural turn inspired many student revolutionaries in 1968 and provided a theoretical framework for Marxist sociologists in the 1980s.
The 'Time of Monsters' in Modern Politics
The 'time of monsters' quote has captured the minds of politicians and thinkers today, but some feel it strips Gramsci of the activist zeal he embodied for previous generations. It is a metaphor that can shut off the possibility of trying to think through what is occurring, instead focusing on outrage or shock at the monstrosity of certain figures.
Gramsci's Legacy
Gramsci's ideas continue to be relevant and powerful, offering a framework for understanding the complexities of modern politics and society. His theory of hegemony remains a key concept for activists and scholars alike, providing a lens through which to analyze the intersection of popular and high culture in the pursuit of power.
