In the past, we had objects to believe in—objects of…
““In the past, we had objects to believe in—objects of belief. These have disappeared. But we also had objects not to believe in, which is just as vital a function. Transitional objects, ironic ones, so to speak, objects of our indifference, …Ideologies played this role reasonably well. These, too, have disappeared. And we survive only by a reflex action of collective credulity, which consists not only in absorbing everything put about under the heading of news or information, but in believing in the principal and transcendence of information.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Modern society replaces traditional beliefs with endless information, yet still needs objects of indifference to balance credulity.
In simple terms: We swap old beliefs for constant information, needing neutral objects to stay grounded.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question the information you accept.
Themes
media
belief
indifference
credulity
information
Mood
critical
analytical
reflective
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- news consumption
- social media use
- political discourse
- education
- personal belief formation
Key Concepts
postmodernism
hyperreality
social construction
Questions to Reflect On
- What neutral objects help you stay critical?
- How do you differentiate belief from mere information?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on information can drown critical thinking.