Maurice Merleau-Ponty: 'It is the mission of the twentieth century to elucidate the irrational.'

It is the mission of the twentieth century to elucidate the irrational.

In his quote, Maurice Merleau-Ponty puts forth a thought-provoking idea: the mission of the twentieth century is to elucidate the irrational. At first glance, this statement may seem perplexing, as one typically associates progress and understanding with rationality. However, Merleau-Ponty challenges this notion and suggests that it is through exploring the irrational aspects of life that true understanding and growth can be achieved.To grasp the meaning behind Merleau-Ponty's statement, we must first understand his perspective on what constitutes the irrational. In this context, the irrational does not refer to irrational behavior or nonsensical thinking. Rather, it encompasses those dimensions of human experience that lie beyond the grasp of logic and reason. It delves into the realm of emotions, instincts, and the intangible aspects of existence that cannot be easily explained or rationalized.By highlighting the importance of elucidating the irrational, Merleau-Ponty suggests that the human experience is not solely guided by reason. Our lives are influenced by sentiments, desires, and subconscious forces that cannot always be explained or understood through rational inquiry alone. To truly comprehend the complexities of our existence, we must also delve into the irrational aspects of our being.Now, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to add depth and intrigue to this exploration. One concept that resonates with Merleau-Ponty's ideas is that of existentialism. Existentialism, often associated with philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, emphasizes the subjective experience of individual existence and the inherent irrationality of human existence.Existentialism posits that human beings are confronted with a fundamental sense of meaninglessness and absurdity in their lives. This existential absurdity arises from the tension between our longing for meaning and purpose and the indifference or hostility of the universe towards such desires. It is within this backdrop of the irrational and absurd that existentialism finds its philosophical grounding.In contrast to the rationalistic approaches prevalent in previous centuries, existentialism acknowledges and embraces the irrational aspects of human existence. It encourages individuals to confront the absurdity of life head-on and find their own subjective meaning in the face of it.When we consider Merleau-Ponty's quote in light of existentialism, we can see a compelling connection. Both perspectives compel us to explore the irrational, whether it be the irrational facets of our subjective existence or the irrational forces that shape our world. By delving into the irrational, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.The mission of the twentieth century, as Merleau-Ponty suggests, is not to disregard or silence the irrational, but rather to elucidate it. In doing so, we open ourselves up to a richer and more holistic comprehension of human experience. By acknowledging and embracing the irrational, we can navigate the complexities of life with greater empathy, insight, and purpose.In essence, Merleau-Ponty's quote challenges us to broaden our worldview and move beyond narrow constructs of rationality. It reminds us that there is more to human experience than what can be rationalized and articulated. By embracing the irrational, we can transcend the limitations of reason and delve deeper into the mysteries that shape our existence.Ultimately, this exploration of the irrational is not limited to the twentieth century alone. It is an ongoing endeavor, an eternal quest for illumination and understanding. As we continue to unravel the complexities of our existence, we must not shy away from the irrational but instead strive to elucidate it. By doing so, we may uncover profound insights and discover new dimensions of meaning in our lives.