Edgar Morin at 104: Society Must Shift from Submission to Resistance

At 104 years of age, the renowned French thinker Edgar Morin has published a new work reflecting on his extensive life experiences. The book, titled 'Lecciones de la historia,' serves as a retrospective analysis of the past century. Morin condenses his vast knowledge into 16 concise lessons designed to guide readers on what we can and must learn from history.

In his reflections, Morin presents a critical view of the current state of society. He observes a trend toward increasing submission among the populace. Consequently, he advocates for a necessary transition toward resistance. The philosopher warns that the immediacy of the day-to-day often obscures the broader context of our existence, causing us to forget that we live within a larger historical narrative.

The publication of 'Lecciones de la historia' marks a significant milestone for Edgar Morin. Having lived through more than a hundred years of history, the philosopher has taken the opportunity to make a comprehensive balance of his life and the world events he has witnessed. The book is structured to be accessible yet profound, consisting of 16 distinct lessons.

These lessons are not merely a recounting of historical facts but rather a distillation of wisdom. Morin aims to highlight the essential takeaways from the past that are applicable to the present and future. By organizing his thoughts into these specific sections, he provides a framework for understanding the complex evolution of human society.

A central theme in Morin's new work is the relationship between daily life and historical consciousness. He argues that el día a día domina la vida cotidiana (the day-to-day dominates daily life). This focus on the immediate causes a collective amnesia regarding our position within the grand sweep of history. We forget that we are living inside of a history that is constantly unfolding.

By forgetting this context, individuals lose perspective. Morin suggests that this lack of historical awareness contributes to the passivity he observes in modern society. Understanding the past is crucial for navigating the present effectively.

Morin offers a stark diagnosis of the current social climate, describing it as characterized by growing submission. This observation is the catalyst for his call to action. He asserts that la sociedad es cada vez más sumisa, debemos pasar a la resistencia (society is increasingly submissive, we must move to resistance).

This statement serves as the core thesis for his proposed shift in collective behavior. The philosopher views this transition not just as a political stance but as a necessary psychological and cultural evolution. Resistance, in this context, implies a reclamation of agency and a rejection of passive acceptance of the status quo.

Edgar Morin's 'Lecciones de la historia' stands as a testament to a life lived through turbulent times. At 104 years old, his voice remains urgent and clear. He challenges the reader to look beyond the immediate distractions of daily life and to recognize the weight of history.

Ultimately, his message is one of empowerment through awareness. By understanding the lessons of the past and recognizing the dangers of submission, society can find the strength to resist and shape its own future. Morin's work remains a vital contribution to cultural and societal discourse.