The agony of eros

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Byung-Chul Han, a prominent European philosopher, explores the contemporary threats to love and desire in this bestselling work. He argues that true love requires the courage to embrace self-negation to discover the Other, a concept increasingly endangered by today's fetishized individualism and technology-driven social interactions. In a narcissistic society, love and desire are often sought within the confines of the self. Han examines various cultural references, including Lars von Trier's *Melancholia*, Wagner's *Tristan und Isolde*, and *Fifty Shades of Grey*, while critiquing Michel Foucault's views on power. He addresses the pornographication of society, arguing that it profanes Eros, and discusses how capitalism erases essential differences. Furthermore, he reflects on the politics of Eros in a burnout society, asserting that a lack of love equates to a lack of thought. This concise yet profound essay contributes significantly to Han's critique of modern society, offering a compelling intellectual experience. It invites readers to engage in the vital struggle for love's reinvention, echoing Rimbaud's desire for a renewed understanding of love.