The quote suggests that rather than focusing on crafting a leftist response to rightist ideologies or policies, individuals should instead move beyond traditional political labels and categories. It encourages people to think independently and creatively about politics, rather than adhering strictly to established left-right divisions.
At its core, this statement is an invitation to transcend conventional political thinking. It challenges the idea that effective political change can come solely from a reaction against opposing viewpoints or by aligning oneself with one side of a binary debate. By transcending these categories, individuals and groups might be able to envision new forms of governance and social organization that are not confined by traditional ideological constraints. This approach could lead to innovative solutions to societal issues that arise when politics is viewed through the narrow lens of right versus left.
Christopher Lasch was an American historian and cultural critic known for his critiques of consumerism, individualism, and the disintegration of community in modern society. His work often explored how these broader social trends influenced political thought and action. Lasch's insights into the limitations of conventional politics reflect a deep understanding of societal changes and their impact on personal and collective identities.