The old world is dying; the new world struggles to be born. Now is the time of monsters 群魔乱舞的时代. That quote is most commonly attributed to Antonio Gramsci (UK: [ˈɡræmʃi], US: [ˈɡrɑːmʃi]), an Italian Marxist philosopher and political theorist. The original line comes from his Prison Notebooks, written during his imprisonment by the fascist regime in Italy in the 1920s and 1930s.
The full version is often paraphrased, but a close translation is: “The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.” The more poetic version — “Now is the time of monsters” — is a popular paraphrase inspired by that original text.
Gramsci (UK: [ˈɡræmʃi], US: [ˈɡrɑːmʃi]) is best known for his theory of cultural hegemony 文化霸权(In Marxist philosophy, cultural hegemony is the dominance of a culturally diverse society by the ruling class who shape the culture of that society—the beliefs and explanations, perceptions, values, and mores [ˈmɔː.reɪz] ( 作风 the traditional customs and ways of behaving that are typical of a particular (part of) society: middle-class mores. the mores and culture of the Japanese. Mores determine what is considered morally acceptable or unacceptable within any given culture. A folkway is what is created through interaction and that process is what organizes interactions through routine, repetition, habit and consistency. )—so that the worldview of the ruling class becomes the accepted cultural norm. As the universal dominant ideology, the ruling-class worldview 世界观 misrepresents the social, political, and economic status quo as natural, inevitable, and perpetual social conditions that benefit every social class, rather than as artificial social constructs that benefit only the ruling class 统治阶级. When the social control is carried out by another society, it is known as cultural imperialism 文化帝国主义. ), which describes how the state and ruling capitalist class — the bourgeoisie — use cultural institutions to maintain wealth and power in capitalist societies. In Gramsci's view, the bourgeoisie develops a hegemonic culture using ideology rather than violence, economic force, or coercion. He also attempted to break from the economic determinism 经济决定论 of orthodox Marxist thought, and so is sometimes described as a neo-Marxist. He held a humanistic 人文主义的 understanding of Marxism, seeing it as a philosophy of praxis 实践( praxis [præk.sɪs] the process of using a theory or something that you have learned in a practical way: She is interested in both the theory and praxis of criminology. ) and an absolute historicism that transcends traditional materialism and traditional idealism. Praxis is the process by which a theory, lesson, or skill is enacted, embodied, realized, applied, or put into practice. "Praxis" may also refer to the act of engaging, applying, exercising, realizing, or practising ideas. This has been a recurrent topic in the field of philosophy.
Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors, and include antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.
1. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Characteristics 特征: Individuals with ASPD display a disregard for social norms and the rights of others, often exhibiting deceitfulness, manipulation, and a lack of remorse. Examples: They may repeatedly break laws, lie, or exploit others for personal gain. Treatment: ASPD can be difficult to treat, and individuals may be reluctant to seek help.
2. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characteristics: BPD is marked by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as impulsivity. Examples: Individuals with BPD may experience intense mood swings, have difficulty regulating emotions, and engage in self-harm or suicidal behaviors. Treatment: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other therapies can help individuals with BPD manage their symptoms and improve their relationships.
3. Histrionic Personality Disorder: Characteristics: Individuals with histrionic personality disorder are characterized by excessive attention-seeking behavior, dramatic emotional expression, and a need for reassurance. Examples: They may be overly expressive, seductive, and easily influenced by others. Treatment: Therapy can help individuals with histrionic personality disorder develop healthier coping mechanisms and relationships.
4. Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Characteristics: Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Examples: Individuals with NPD may have an inflated sense of their own abilities and achievements, and may exploit others to meet their needs. Treatment: Therapy can help individuals with NPD develop healthier self-esteem and improve their relationships.
General Characteristics of Cluster B Disorders: Emotional Instability 情绪不稳定: Individuals with Cluster B disorders often struggle to regulate their emotions and may experience intense mood swings. Relationship Difficulties: They may have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships due to their behaviors and emotional dysregulation. Impulsive Behaviors: Impulsivity and a tendency to engage in risky behaviors are common in Cluster B disorders. Dramatic Presentation: The behaviors of individuals with Cluster B disorders may be perceived as dramatic, emotional, or erratic by others.
