Afterlives

Abstract This chapter shows that the extraordinary popularity of Benjamin’s writing that followed his death was accompanied by the weakening of its critical spirit. The chapter traces this in critical theory (Jürgen Habermas), deconstruction (Paul de Man and Jacques Derrida), visual arts (Andy Warhol, Philip Guston, Cindy Sherman), and Jewish studies (Pierre Bouretz). It argues that contemporary radicalism needs to revive and develop the critical spirit of Benjamin’s thought.