Respect Quote by Jacques Derrida
““Let us narrow the arguments down further. In certain respects, the theme of supplementarity is certainly no more than one theme among others. It is in a chain, carried by it. Perhaps one could substitute something else for it. But it happens that this theme describes the chain itself, the being-chain of a textual chain, the structure of substitution, the articulation of desire and of language, the logic of all conceptual oppositions taken over by Rousseau…It tells us in a text what a text is, it tells us in writing what writing it, in Rousseau’s writing it tells us Jean-Jacque’s desire etc…the concept of the supplement and the theory of writing designate textuality itself in Rousseau’s text in an indefinitely multiplied structure—en abyme.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Signature Event Context” in Writing and Difference, 1976
The supplementary theme reveals how texts reference themselves, creating endless layers of meaning and desire.
In simple terms: Texts refer to themselves, creating endless layers.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the self‑referential nature of language.
Themes
philosophy
literary theory
deconstruction
Mood
analytical
theoretical
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- critical analysis
- academic writing
- interpretive studies
- textual criticism
Key Concepts
supplementarity
intertextuality
meta‑narrative
desire
language
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑reference affect interpretation?
- Can endless layers be navigated meaningfully?
A Different Perspective
Complexity may obscure practical communication.
