I am one of those marranes who no longer say they are Jews even in the secret of their own hearts

I am one of those marranes who no longer say they are Jews even in the secret of their own hearts

The quote "I am one of those marranes who no longer say they are Jews even in the secret of their own hearts" is a powerful statement that reflects the complex relationship between identity, secrecy, and self-expression. The term "marranes" historically refers to Jews who converted to Christianity in order to escape persecution during the Spanish Inquisition, but secretly maintained their Jewish identity and practices. In this context, the quote suggests a sense of internal conflict and suppression of one's true identity.

When considering this quote in the context of Jacques Derrida, a prominent French philosopher known for his deconstructionist approach to language and meaning, we can see how it relates to his ideas about identity, language, and the construction of self. Derrida's work often explores the ways in which language shapes our understanding of the world and ourselves, and how meaning is always deferred and never fully stable.