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The subject of several television documentaries, Žižek maintains a demanding schedule of sell-out public appearances and lectures across both Europe and the US that receive hundreds of thousands of YouTube views. With his work now translated into over twenty languages, no other contemporary philosopher can touch him for sheer popularity – even though his ideas are often complex and demanding. What are the reasons for this popularity? Many people are eager to listen to a philosopher, such as Žižek, who has thought deeply about global problems of poverty, ecology and political repression. I am prepared to offer new approaches and, where required, clear solutions to these problems. This is a further reason why his ideas are so compelling. 4
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The oratorical approach Žižek has published numerous articles in journals and on the web, and over 50 books – at a rate sometimes of one book a year. Unlike many philosophers, Žižek’s writing springs essentially from an oratorical approach to thinking and discourse, and this is part of his appeal both in hearing him talk and in reading his writing. Žižek’s process of writing is highly indicative of his direct approach to communicating ideas. Firstly, I write out notes of my ideas as I would say them … Then I flesh them out rather than painstakingly building up an argument. This method of writing has the added advantage of preserving the spontaneity of his thoughts, and it reflects his enjoyment in expounding ideas. 5

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The oratorical approach

Žižek has published numerous articles in journals and on the web, and over 50 books – at a rate sometimes of one book a year. Unlike many philosophers, Žižek’s writing springs essentially from an oratorical approach to thinking and discourse, and this is part of his appeal both in hearing him talk and in reading his writing. Žižek’s process of writing is highly indicative of his direct approach to communicating ideas.

Firstly, I write out notes of my ideas as I

would say them …

Then I flesh them out rather than painstakingly building up an argument.

This method of writing has the added advantage of preserving the spontaneity of his thoughts, and it reflects his enjoyment in expounding ideas.

5

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