Embracing Alienation

Alienation is the lack of self-identity. This lack of self-identity gives the subject distance from the conditions out of which it emerges. If I am not identical to myself, if I am at odds with myself, I cannot be completely determined by external forces. ... Explicit distance from itself gives subjectivity an ability to act against what would otherwise determine it.

This boiok represents a completely differehnt take on alienation. Its claim is that the effort to overcome alienation is not a radica,l response to the current state of things but a fiaure to see the constitutive power of alienation for us. Instead of trying to overcome alienation and acceded to an unalienated existence, we should rendeem alienation as an existential and political program. Alienation is emancipation. (p9)