Saadi Yousef: Does the future occupy the past?
03. February 2011 13:43
Saadi Yousef in conversation with Michael March
Michael March: There is the need for roots—but the poet and philosopher are always homeless. Saadi Yousef: Philosophically, one considers the artist as an outsider. An active observer. In the main stream, yes—but without strict obligations other than his own code of conduct. MM: Describe your "life of forced departures". SY: Well, it is a long and detailed story. It is a whole life! MM: The "dignity of personal experience" is preserved through courage—defined by Aristotle as experience and knowledge. How have you preserved your dignity? SY: I have preserved my dignity by acting as an idiot! MM: Must we suffer to find the core of truth—? SY: No way, we have to suffer! MM: Is freedom "always kin to voluntary poverty"—? SY: For sure, not! Money is a liberator! MM: When does "a bed forget the floor"—? SY: When the partner opts to mount! MM: Does wisdom lead to justice? In theory, yes! MM: Can we be "whatever we wish"—? SY: That is our ultimate! MM: Today the future occupies the past. How do you see the future—? SY: In our century, I think the reactionary past-the eighteenth century—is manipulating our future. November 2010