"We can escape the commonplace only by manipulating it, controlling it, thrusting it into our dreams or surrendering it to the free play of our subjectivity"
About this Quote
Raoul Vaneigem's quote explores the human yearning to transcend the common elements of life. At its core, the quote suggests that the prevalent-- the regular, ordinary, and frequently repetitive aspects of our existence-- can be gone beyond through conscious effort and creative engagement.
The initial idea of "manipulating" the commonplace indicates modifying our understanding or approach to daily experiences. By actively engaging with the ordinary instead of passively enduring it, we can turn common minutes into sources of inspiration or creativity. This control can take many kinds, such as discovering charm in simplicity, looking for much deeper understanding in routine jobs, or using our innovative faculties to transform the mundane into art.
The concept of "controlling" the commonplace shows a purposeful imposition of one's will over the banal facets of life. This control can manifest as setting objectives, defining individual stories, or finding ways to assert individuality within the restraints of common existence.
"Thrusting it into our dreams" conveys integrating the regular into our aspirations and visions. Dreams are often seen as realms of possibility, unbounded by the limitations of life. By integrating the commonplace into our dreams, we can reinterpret truth through the lens of possibility, therefore imbuing the ordinary with new significances and potential.
Finally, "surrendering it to the complimentary play of our subjectivity" recommends a total release of control, permitting personal interpretations and feelings to improve the ordinary. This surrender can lead to a profound improvement of ordinary experience by re-envisioning it through special point of views, emotions, and imaginations.
In essence, Vaneigem's quote encapsulates the idea that to elevate above the commonplace, we should engage with it creatively and intentionally, whether through manipulation, control, combination, or subjective reinterpretation. By doing so, we open doors to richer, more fulfilling experiences and paths of understanding our place on the planet.
More details
About the Author