The Order of the Profane

Abstract

Benjamin claims a separation between historical and Messianic time. In the Jewish-Christian tradition, the order of the profane begins with the expulsion from Eden, implying the promise of apokatastasis. The “ambiguity” of modernity consists in the fact that its redemption’s promise remains unfulfilled. The historical materialist collects objects apparently useless, but with allegorical value. Benjamin’s aporetic use of Jewish mysticism and Marxist materialism allows him to criticize modernity. The “historian” must save the past from oblivion. Between “no longer” and the “not yet” only now-time exists. The weak Messianic power is destined to disappoint generation after generation.Man’s acting in history cannot favor the coming of Messiah but only anticipate, imitate it and therefore is destined to fail.