"My most resolute opponents believe that I am too visible, that I am a little too alive, that my name echoes too much in the texts which they nevertheless claim to be inaccessible"
- Jacques Derrida
About this Quote
This quote by Jacques Derrida speaks to the idea of presence and availability. He is suggesting that his challengers believe he is too noticeable, that he is too alive, and that his name is too prominent in the texts they declare to be unattainable. This might be analyzed as a criticism of his challengers, as they are declaring that the texts are unattainable, yet they are still knowledgeable about Derrida's presence in them. It might also be translated as a declaration of pride, as Derrida is suggesting that his existence is so strong that even his challengers can not ignore it. Ultimately, this quote speaks to the power of Derrida's work and his ability to make an effect even in texts that are supposedly unattainable.
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