Ideas are to objects as constellations are to stars [translated from Trauerspiel, 1928].
Walter BenjaminTrue translation is transparent: it does not obscure the original, does not stand in its light, but rather allows pure language, as if strengthened by its own medium, to shine even more fully on the original.
Walter BenjaminThe film is the first art form capable of demonstrating how matter plays tricks on man.
Walter BenjaminTo perceive the aura of an object we look at means to invest it with the ability to look at us in return.
Walter BenjaminThere was the pedestrian who wedged himself into the crowd, but there was also the flneur who demanded elbow room and was unwilling to forego the life of the gentleman of leisure. His leisurely appearance as a personality is his protest against the division of labour which makes people into specialists. it was also his protest against their industriousness. Around 1840 it was briefly fashionable to take turtles for a walk in the arcades. the flneurs liked to have the turtles set the pace for them.
Walter Benjamin