Quotes by Julia Kristeva

Julia Kristeva is a Bulgarian-French philosopher, psychoanalyst, feminist, and writer, recognized for her extensive contributions to literary theory, semiotics, and psychoanalysis. Born on June 24, 1941, in Sliven, Bulgaria, Kristeva moved to France in the 1960s, where she immersed herself in the intellectual circles of Paris. A key figure in poststructuralist thought, her work draws on multiple disciplines, including linguistics, psychoanalysis, and feminist theory, making her one of the most influential thinkers of the late 20th century.

Kristeva's theory of intertextuality, developed in her early works, revolutionized how texts are understood in relation to one another, asserting that no text is an isolated creation but is instead shaped by a network of other texts. Her influential book, Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection (1980), explores the concept of abjection and its relationship to the formation of identity and societal norms. In this work, she delves into how humans distinguish between what is considered self and other, often manifesting through feelings of disgust or rejection.

As a feminist thinker, Kristeva offers a complex and critical perspective on issues like motherhood, identity, and language. Unlike some second-wave feminists, she views motherhood not as a limiting role but as a space for creativity and transformation. Her ideas often challenge binary oppositions, offering nuanced approaches to gender and subjectivity.