The Istanbulite

I find this excerpt from the introduction to “The Global Minotaur” by Paul Mason to be profoundly striking:

“Most politicians cannot be theorists. First, because they are rarely thinkers; second, because the frenetic lifestyle they impose on themselves leaves no time for big ideas. But most of all, because to be a theorist, you have to admit the possibility of being wrong –the provisionality of knowledge –and you know you cannot spin your way out of a theoretical problem.”

This passage brings forth the inherent conflict between political existence and theoretical contemplation, highlighting the sacrificial nature of political life where the pursuit of profound understanding is often forsaken for the sake of practicality and image maintenance. This conflict raises questions about the depth and authenticity of political philosophies in an environment dominated by a relentless pace and image cultivation.

Does the very nature of political life preclude the possibility of genuine theoretical introspection, and if so, what does this mean for the evolution of political thought and practice?

#TheAccelerationOfPolitics #TheImpossibilityOfTheory

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