This is not to absolve the world of its ugliness, or to deny that truly fearful things exist in it. But some of these things can be overcome–on the condition that we build an aesthetic on the overcoming rather than the fear.

I recently attended a gay dance/poetry performance of uncompromising hipness: the one black dancer in the troupe had to pretend to fuck a dead sheep.

Part of my self-induced stupidity, I confess, is to believe (& even feel) that art can change me, & change others. That’s why I write pornography & propaganda–to cause change. Art can never mean as much as a love affair, perhaps, or an insurrection. But…to a certain extent…it works.

Hakim Bey, The Temporary Autonomous Zone, Against the Reproduction of Death

Hermetic quote Bey Wilson TAZ Temporary Autonomous Zone not absolve world ugliness truly fearful things overcome build aesthetic overcoming then fear believe feel art cause change

Consider also:

  1. “This time she set her will against my will; Swore that she would not come: in my despair I half believed her an enchantress fair Cruel as hell and dowered with subtle skill To strain my life out with her love, and kill My soul with misery: suddenly a rare Swift smile set shimmering all the ambient air, And then I knew she was my true love still.”
  2. “Hoor hath a secret fourfold name: it is Do What Thou Wilt.”
  3. In every dictatorship which is tottering, there is an urge towards destruction. Of self, if that only is possible. Of the world, if that is.
  4. “I have not me tragedy, no, not in this life! Yet, whether I have spewed their doctrines upon the tables of the Law or into the troughs, at least I have not cast away the flesh of dreams.”
  5. “Also, since these Fetters are as a Bond almost universal, be instant to declare the Law of Liberty, and the full Knowledge of all Truth that appertaineth to this Matter”