Death
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Shane Eide
The Burning Block was conceived of as a magazine that would engage not only with the world as it stands today but also explore its foundations. The aim of this engagement is to begin with a topic precisely where others would be tempted to rest, or to at least ask the question which will help us over that first hill on the horizon. Satire’s perennial sting, while flavoring our varied tastes, does not enclose us within the simple perimeters of endless appeals and polemics, though we are not allergic to either appeals or polemics. One can expect pieces of writing which will act as means in themselves. It could be said that The Burning Block, not merely as a means of playfulness but certainly in that spirit too, concerns itself with that in politics which is least political, specifically, what is philosophical. Likewise, it concerns itself with that in art which is mere simulacra, sometimes unconsciously, of ideology and the currents carrying ideology into the public’s hands. The Burning Block is far from proselytizing messages for the sake of their belonging strictly to the left or to the right; much less is it concerned with pandering to one political party. We turn ourselves toward that which vitalizes, opens up and illuminates discussion on all fronts. Adventurous readers who love literature, invested discussion of the world and life itself are invited to read this issue and issues to come. It is our sincerest hope that what you find in this magazine will serve as a starting point for future thought and action.
This first issue, specifically, introduces a series of aphorisms, thoughts on the canon of literature as well as an essay on cultural appropriation. It also introduces a series titled ‘Communities,’ which is an exercise in speculative politics. We hope you enjoy this first issue.
APHORISMS
Shane Eide
There are some friends who are handy to keep around for the sole fact that they perfectly embody what the masses think.
What is worse than the idea that everyone is entitled to an opinion? That no one is entitled to no opinion.
As the clawless cat acts as pet, the disarmed man is entertained.
The book which requires no other book to
