Learning to Live Finally: The last interview with Jacques Derrida. Melville House Publishing 2007.

What an incredible text this is for fans of Derrida. Although a short piece, this is a previously unseen insight into this amazing man! Through a series of questions and answers, Jean Birnbaum and Derrida navigate questions about the meaning of life, work, and language through the eyes of one of the most influential postmodern thinkers.

If you are looking for an analysis of Derrida's work or specific explanation of theory this is probably not what you are looking for. If, however, you are familiar with some of Derrida's work and want to know more about his personal philosophy of life and death then this is a great place to start. Among other topics, Derrida discusses language, life, death, the theory of the university, and the freedom to ask questions, to criticize, and to cast doubt.

As a huge fan of deconstruction the most fascinating part of this text deals with Derrida's theories about language. Contrary to the assertions of some, Derrida follows very specific rules about the manipulation and study of language. He says, "You don't just go and do anything with language; it preexists us and it survives us. . . When I do violence to the French language I do so with the refined respect of what I believe to be an injunction of this language, in its life and in its evolution" (37). Derrida's true passion for language is clear in this text. His life's work seems to be to leave a respectful imprint on the French language that acknowledges its history and speaks to its future.

An excellent read! Highly recommended.