Walter Benjamin

"The tradition of the oppressed teaches us that the 'state of emergency' in which we live is not the exception but the rule.  We must attain to a conception of history that is in keeping with this insight.  Then we shall clearly realize that is is our task to bring about a real state of emergency, and this will improve our position in the struggle against Fascism.  One reason why Fascism has a chance is that in the name of progress its opponents treat it as a historical norm.  The current amazement that the things we are experiencing are 'still' possible in the twentieth century is not philosophical.  This amazement is not the beginning of knowledge-unless it is the knowledge that the view of history which gives rise to it is untenable."

1940


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