Anti-Oedipus - Gilles Deleuze / Félix Guattari

Anti-Oedipus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia

In their groundbreaking work, Anti-Oedipus, Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari challenge the traditional understanding of capitalism and schizophrenia. They argue that capitalism is not simply an economic system, but a social and political system that produces and reproduces itself through the production of desire. Schizophrenia, they contend, is not a mental illness, but a revolutionary force that can disrupt the smooth functioning of capitalism.

Capitalism as a Desiring-Machine

Deleuze and Guattari argue that capitalism is not simply a system of production and exchange, but a desiring-machine that produces and reproduces itself through the production of desire. Desire, they argue, is not a natural or essential human need, but a product of social and political forces. Capitalism creates desire by constantly bombarding us with images and messages that tell us what we should want. This desire is then channeled into the consumption of commodities, which further reproduces the system of capitalism.

Schizophrenia as a Revolutionary Force

Deleuze and Guattari argue that schizophrenia is not a mental illness, but a revolutionary force that can disrupt the smooth functioning of capitalism. Schizophrenia, they say, is a break from the dominant social and political order, a refusal to conform to the norms and values of capitalism. Schizophrenics are able to see the world in a different way, and this can lead to new and innovative ways of thinking about and organizing society.

The Anti-Oedipus Project

Deleuze and Guattari's Anti-Oedipus project is a call for a new way of thinking about capitalism and schizophrenia. They argue that we need to move beyond the traditional binary oppositions of capitalism/socialism, sanity/insanity, and revolution/reform. Instead, we need to create new forms of social and political organization that are based on desire and creativity, rather than on profit and control.

Why You Should Read Anti-Oedipus

Anti-Oedipus is a challenging and provocative book that will change the way you think about capitalism, schizophrenia, and the possibility of revolution. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding the world we live in and how we can change it.

Conclusion

Anti-Oedipus is a powerful and influential book that has had a profound impact on the fields of philosophy, psychology, and political theory. It is a challenging and rewarding read that will stay with you long after you finish it. If you are interested in understanding the world we live in and how we can change it, I highly recommend reading Anti-Oedipus.