Skip to content

Neoliberalism Quote by Timothy Morton

“Wholes subscend their parts, which means that parts are not just mechanical components of wholes, and that there can be genuine surprise and novelty in the world, that a different future is always possible. It is good to regard things such as capitalism as physical beings, not simply as fictions…” quote by Timothy Morton
Download Open image
““Wholes subscend their parts, which means that parts are not just mechanical components of wholes, and that there can be genuine surprise and novelty in the world, that a different future is always possible. It is good to regard things such as capitalism as physical beings, not simply as fictions that would disappear if we just stopped believing in them. But what kind of physical beings are they? If they are susbcendent, it means that we can change them, if we want. What if some things could be physically huge, yet ontologically tiny? What if neoliberalism, which envelopes Earth in misery, were actually quite small in another way, and thus strangely easy to subvert? Too easy for intellectuals, who want to make everything seem difficult so they can keep themselves in a job by explaining it, or outdo each other in competition for whose picture of the world is more depressing. „I am more intelligent than you because my picture of neoliberalism is far more terrifying and encompassing than yours. We are truly enslaved in my vision, with no hope of escape – therefore I am superior to you!” Isn’t this a tragic consequence of what some call cynical reason, the dominant way of being right for the last two hundred years?””

Timothy Morton

About This Quote

The quote argues that wholes are more than the sum of their parts, allowing for surprise and change, and critiques how complex systems like capitalism are portrayed as immutable, urging a view that reveals their vulnerability and potential for subversion.

In simple terms: Wholes exceed their parts, enabling novelty and change; systems like capitalism can be altered.

Key Takeaway

Recognize systemic vulnerabilities and act to transform them.

Themes

philosophy politics systems theory critical theory change agency

Mood

critical reflective determined

Type

analytical provocative inspirational

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • policy reform
  • academic discourse
  • public awareness
  • strategic planning

Key Concepts

holism ontological surprise neoliberal critique power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we identify hidden vulnerabilities in dominant systems?
  • What practical steps can undermine entrenched power structures?
A Different Perspective

Complex systems are often portrayed as immutable, which can discourage action.

4.7 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Timothy Morton

Explore all 114 Timothy Morton quotes

More Neoliberalism quotes

Browse all 49 Neoliberalism quotes