“Eclecticism is the degree zero of contemporary general culture: one listens to reggae, watches a western, eats McDonald's food for lunch and local cuisine for dinner, wears Paris perfume in Tokyo and 'retro' clothes in Hong Kong.”
What this quote means
Lyotard's quote illustrates the cultural eclecticism of our time, where we mix elements from diverse cultures without distinction. It resonates because it describes our daily lives: we consume global products while valuing local traditions. This eclecticism signals a loss of bearings, where everything is equal, but also a freedom of choice. It applies to how we navigate between cultures, often without coherence or deep commitment. It's a critique of the superficiality of our cultural consumption.
How to apply it daily
List your cultural habits; identify which are eclectic and reflect on their meaning.
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