Postmodernism

Postmodernism is a philosophical attitude characterized by extreme skepticism toward “absolute truth” and “authoritative standards.” It argues that the concepts humanity has blindly trusted over the past few centuries—such as the omnipotence of science, historical progress, or some universal morality—are all “grand narratives” fabricated by the ruling class to consolidate power. Simply put, it acts like a mischievous hacker dedicated to cracking society’s taken-for-granted rules, telling you that there is no single standard answer in the world, and that all reality is “constructed” by culture, language, and the media.

• The collapse of progress: When the “beautiful utopia” promised by the Enlightenment and scientific rationality ultimately brought about two World Wars, concentration camps, and the threat of nuclear weapons, can we still blindly believe that human history is constantly “progressing”?
• The definition of truth and the erasure of minorities: Who exactly defined the “historical truths” or “universal values” written in textbooks? Why are the voices of minority groups (the marginalized, the outsiders) who do not fit the standard always erased?
• The boundary between real and fake: In a society filled with mass media, advertising, internet memes, and virtual reality, what is “real” and what is “fake”? When the replica looks more authentic than the original, does reality still exist?

• Incredulity towards Metanarratives:Jean-François Lyotard pointed out that humanity in the past relied on various “grand narratives” to give meaning to life (e.g., religious salvation, the Marxist proletarian revolution, or the idea that science can solve all problems). Postmodernism outright rejects these all-encompassing theories that claim to explain everything. It views these grand narratives as inherently oppressive, attempting to silence dissenting voices. Now, we are left only with countless localized, personal “petit récits” (little narratives).
• Simulacra and Hyperreality:This is a groundbreaking concept proposed by Jean Baudrillard. In modern society, we are surrounded by television, advertising, and the internet. Our perception of “beauty” comes from photoshopped influencers, and our perception of “nature” comes from meticulously designed theme parks. Ultimately, these “copies without an original” (simulacra) replace reality itself, forming “hyperreality.” We live in a matrix of signs, where even the search for the so-called “original reality” becomes meaningless.
• Decentralization and Pluralism:Postmodernism shatters the “absolute center” (such as God, rationality, or the white Western male perspective). It argues that the world is multi-centered and fragmented. No single culture, lifestyle, or aesthetic holds absolute dominance. Everything is relative, depending entirely on the perspective from which you are speaking.
• Pastiche and Parody:Since there is no absolute originality or truth, postmodernism highly praises “mash-ups and recombination.” It blurs the boundaries between high art and popular culture, stitching together classical symbols and modern pop elements. This is a cultural rebellion filled with a playful mindset—rejecting seriousness and embracing diversity.

Jean-François Lyotard — The ideological pioneer who officially brought the term “postmodern” into the philosophical sphere, sounding the death knell for absolute truth.

“Simplifying to the extreme, I define postmodern as incredulity toward metanarratives.”

Jean Baudrillard — The most potent prophet of media and consumer society, who profoundly revealed how we live in a virtual matrix governed by signs.

“The simulacrum is never that which conceals the truth—it is the truth which conceals that there is none.”

We are currently living in a textbook postmodern society: the advent of the “Post-truth” era, meticulously curated personas on social media, and AI tools capable of generating hyper-realistic images out of thin air. When you find that AI-generated digital art is more aesthetically pleasing than real photographs, or when the influence of internet memes surpasses that of serious news reporting, this is exactly what Baudrillard called “hyperreality”—where the illusion is more powerful than the reality.

Postmodernism is modern humanity’s ultimate firewall against “societal standard anxiety and authoritarian brainwashing.”

When you feel extreme anxiety because you haven’t achieved the societal milestones of “buying a house, getting married, and becoming successful before thirty,” postmodernism pats you on the shoulder and tells you: don’t be silly. That so-called “success metric” is nothing more than a “grand narrative” fabricated by capitalism to drive you to work yourself to the bone.

In daily life, postmodernism grants you immense freedom. Since there are no standard answers in the world, you don’t need to struggle in pursuit of some “singular truth.” Like a nimble illusionist, you can freely “collage” your preferred lifestyle, professional skills, and aesthetics. Look at various internet trends with a playful yet critical eye, refuse to be hijacked by a single algorithm or value system, and within this fragmented reality, build your own localized meaning and happiness.