Deconstruction Quote by David Foster Wallace
““I guess that’s supposed to be deconstruction’s original program, right? People have been under some sort of metaphysical anesthesia, so you dismantle the metaphysics’ axioms and prejudices, show it in cross section and reveal the advantages of its abandonment. It’s literally aggravating: you awaken them to the fact that they’ve been unconsciously imbibing some narcotic pharmakon since they were old enough to say “Momma.” -Interview with Larry McCaffery (1993)””
About This Quote
The quote critiques how entrenched metaphysical beliefs act like a sedative, and deconstruction seeks to expose and dismantle those hidden assumptions, forcing awareness of their oppressive influence.
In simple terms: Deconstruction reveals hidden metaphysical assumptions.
Key Takeaway
Uncovering subconscious belief systems.
Themes
philosophy
critical theory
metaphysics
psychoanalysis
language
Mood
provocative
introspective
critical
Type
critical essay
interview excerpt
When to use this quote
- academic seminars
- literary criticism
- personal introspection
- cultural analysis
Key Concepts
constructionism
ideology
cognitive bias
awakening
Practical Applications
- teaching critical thinking
- designing curricula on deconstruction
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions shape your worldview?
- How does exposing them change behavior?
![“I'm telling you, I could teach at a university, [George] Carlin, a whole semester. The construction and deconstruction of the words, the language, the order.” quote by Jay Mohr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af2/jay-mohr-4777_construction_i-m-telling-you-i-could-teach-at-a-unive_29549.jpg)
