The first part of understanding this quote involves seeing it as a vivid metaphor comparing the act of approaching a book with intense criticism to how a cannibal might prepare and season their prey. In a literal sense, it suggests that true polemics engage with literature or ideas with such intensity and thoroughness that it can be compared to the meticulous preparation of food for consumption in a highly disturbing way.
On a deeper level, Walter Benjamin is conveying the idea that genuine engagement with an argument or text often requires a profound emotional and intellectual investment. The comparison to cannibalism highlights how consuming someone's ideas, especially through criticism, demands a complete immersion and even a sense of dissection and digestion of those ideas. This extreme metaphor underscores the notion that meaningful critique goes beyond mere disagreement—it involves fully understanding and breaking down the work in question, much like how a cannibal would meticulously prepare their meal. Such an act requires not just intellect but also a willingness to confront something deeply personal or unsettling.
Walter Benjamin was a German philosopher and literary critic who lived from 1892 to 1940. He is renowned for his contributions to the philosophy of history, aesthetics, and political theory. His work often explored the tension between past traditions and modern technological advancements, particularly in literature and media. The quote reflects his complex style of thinking, which frequently employed provocative imagery and metaphors to convey profound insights about art, criticism, and society.
