In these uncertain times, where the world seems to be in a state of flux and the old certainties are crumbling, a quote attributed to the Italian Communist leader Antonio Gramsci has become a popular go-to for making sense of the chaos. The quote, "The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters," has been widely circulated and referenced by various figures across the political spectrum. However, there's a twist to this story that many might find surprising.
Over the past few months, this quote has been quoted and misquoted by numerous influential figures, from right-wing politicians to left-wing leaders and even central bankers. It has been used to describe the current state of affairs, with people feeling a sense of repulsion and disbelief towards the news and events unfolding around them. But here's the catch: Gramsci never actually said or wrote these exact words, at least not in the concise and viral-worthy form that has taken the internet by storm.
"The time of monsters" has become a powerful phrase that encapsulates the feeling of living in a world where reason seems to have taken a backseat. It evokes a sense of the surreal, reminiscent of Goya's etching "The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters" and the popular culture of today. But when we delve into Gramsci's original writings, specifically his Prison Notebooks, we find no mention of monsters.
In the original Italian, Gramsci wrote, "In questo interregno si verificano i fenomeni morbosi più svariati." This has been translated by British academics as, "In this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear." While the meaning is preserved, it lacks the punchy appeal of the viral quote.
The first recorded use of "time of monsters" in connection with Gramsci can be traced back to a 2010 article by the Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek. However, Žižek himself claims he took the phrase from another source, and a similar French version of the phrase predates his use of it.
So, why does Gramsci's work continue to resonate so strongly today? Published years after his death, the Prison Notebooks were written during brief periods when Gramsci was allowed writing materials in his cell. These notebooks distill his thoughts on political theory, philosophy, and linguistics, offering an incredibly precise insight into his mind, especially for an Italian intellectual.
While the exact origin of the "time of monsters" quote remains elusive, Gramsci's ideas have had a lasting impact. His theory of hegemony, which suggests that the ruling class can maintain power through cultural influence and the intersection of popular and high culture, has inspired activists and revolutionaries for decades. From the student movements of 1968 in Europe to Marxist sociologists in Britain analyzing Thatcherism, Gramsci's cultural turn has left an indelible mark on political thought.
However, it's important to note that the widespread use of this quote might oversimplify Gramsci's complex ideas and strip him of the activist zeal he embodied. Monsters, as described by historian Peter Thomas, are exceptional and unexplainable, shutting off the possibility of understanding the underlying causes. Instead of merely reacting to the "monstrosity" of certain figures, we should strive to comprehend the factors that led to their rise.
Before his imprisonment, Gramsci spent time in revolutionary Russia, witnessing a glimpse of a new world being born, despite the struggles. This experience shaped his belief in eventual victory, a mindset that might be more challenging for us to embrace in today's complex and uncertain times.
So, the next time you come across the "time of monsters" quote, remember the intriguing story behind it and the deeper ideas of Gramsci that continue to shape political discourse.
