We're not writing about the European Graduate School's Slavoj Zizek because of his stature as one of the world's most highly regarded contemporary philosophers. Nor are we writing about him because of the awe that his legendary lectures inspire-whether they have to do with Materialism and Theology or Iraq. We're writing about him because he gave the Guardian one damn fine interview. It teeters on the brink of caricature, but it's such a perfect blend of humor, depravity, and joy that it doesn't matter. An excerpt:
What does love feel like? Like a great misfortune, a monstrous parasite, a permanent state of emergency that ruins all small pleasures.
What or who is the love of your life? Philosophy. I secretly think reality exists so we can speculate about it.
What is your favourite smell? Nature in decay, like rotten trees.