Gramsci says, theory and practice combines to form Buddha

Critical understanding of oneself… comes through the struggle of political “hegemonies,” of opposing directions, first in the field of ethics, then of politics, culminating in a higher elaboration of one’s own conception of reality. The awareness of being part of a definite hegemonic force … is the first step towards a progressively higher self-consciousness, in which theory and practice finally unite.

– Antonio Gramsci

Writing an essay on Gramsci and the Malaysian state as an extension of John Hilley’s book, “Malaysia: Mahathirism, Hegemony and the New Opposition”. More awesome quotes as I read/research. Basically I look at the Malaysian government’s instruments of ideological hegemony — how they rule over us by promoting their “propaganda” (as opposed to opposition propaganda).

But the idea is that we have to be acutely aware of where our thoughts are placed in an hierarchy of ideas. You and I might be decidedly liberal in Malaysia and have sufficient justification that our ideas are right, but being aware that our ideas have their political place against other ideas is a form of higher self-awareness.

More tomorrow.