Developing a personal philosophy of life often involves exploring influential ideas and concepts from various thinkers. One such concept is Gilles Deleuze’s notion of desiring-machines, which is central to his philosophy but is not always fully understood. Gaining a clear understanding of this idea can have a profound impact on how individuals shape their own philosophical perspectives. This article examines Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy, the concept of desiring-machines, and their significance in the context of crafting a personal philosophy of life.
Key features of Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy
Gilles Deleuze was a French philosopher known for his unique and innovative ideas that challenge traditional ways of thinking about life, society, and knowledge. One of his key concepts is the “rhizome,” which he used to describe non-hierarchical systems of connections, much like the roots of a plant that spread in all directions. This idea is central to his philosophy, as it emphasizes flexibility, multiplicity, and the rejection of rigid structures.
Deleuze was also interested in the idea of “becoming,” which focuses on change and transformation rather than fixed identities. He believed that individuals and societies are always in a state of flux, constantly evolving and reshaping themselves. This ties into his rejection of binary oppositions, such as good versus evil, arguing instead for a world filled with endless possibilities and differences.
His collaboration with philosopher Félix Guattari further developed these ideas in works like A Thousand Plateaus, where they explored how systems, ideas, and individuals interact in complex and dynamic ways. Deleuze aimed to show that philosophy is not about finding universal truths but about creating new ways of thinking and acting in the world. By focusing on creativity, fluidity, and diversity, his philosophy remains influential in various fields, including art, literature, and social theory.
What is desiring-machines?
Gilles Deleuze, in collaboration with Félix Guattari, introduces the concept of desiring-machines in their work Anti-Oedipus. Desiring-machines are fundamental components of Deleuze’s philosophy, representing the processes through which desire operates within and across individuals, objects, and systems. According to Deleuze, desire is not rooted in lack or something missing but is instead a productive force. It continuously creates connections and flows between various entities, driving activity and transformation.
Deleuze sees desiring-machines as part of a larger, dynamic system, where everything is interconnected and constantly producing. These machines function by breaking apart and reassembling, operating within a structure that is both productive and disruptive. They dismantle traditional ideas of a fixed self or subject, emphasizing instead the fluid, decentralized nature of desire.
Rather than being confined to psychological or emotional experiences, desire for Deleuze is an active force within the material and social worlds. Desiring-machines operate without morality or purpose; they simply produce. This perspective challenges conventional notions of desire as something to be controlled or directed, focusing instead on its ceaseless and uncontainable nature. Through the concept of desiring-machines, Deleuze redefines how desire is understood and its role in shaping life and society.
This concept can be demonstrated through the following example. Imagine a child playing with a toy car. According to Gilles Deleuze’s idea of desiring-machines, the child’s interaction with the toy car is not simply about using an object for play. Instead, the child and the toy car form a connected system of desire, where the act of playing becomes a process of production. The child’s imagination, emotions, and actions combine with the movements and features of the toy car to create a dynamic experience. This connection does not exist in isolation; it is influenced by external factors, such as the environment or the presence of other people, further expanding the network of desires. These systems are constantly forming, breaking, and reforming, making the act of play not just an expression of desire but also a continuous creation of new possibilities and interactions between the child and their world.
Challenges to Gilles Deleuze’s view about desiring-machines
Philosophers who object to or reject Gilles Deleuze’s concept of desiring-machines often do so for several key reasons, ranging from its perceived complexity to its implications for traditional ideas about individuality and human agency. One common concern is that Deleuze’s framework is sometimes criticized as being overly abstract and difficult to apply to real-life experiences or concrete phenomena. For critics, this level of abstraction makes it harder to connect his ideas to practical questions about ethics, politics, and human behavior, leaving the concept of desiring-machines feeling disconnected or ungrounded.
Another issue lies in how Deleuze challenges more traditional understandings of the self. Many philosophers are accustomed to thinking of individuals as rational agents with clearly defined identities and desires that stem from internal motivations. By contrast, desiring-machines suggest a more fluid, decentralized view of human desire that involves external connections and processes rather than a coherent, individual self. This can make some thinkers uncomfortable, as it undermines longstanding notions of personal autonomy and responsibility.
There are also concerns about how the idea of desiring-machines might blur the lines between human desires and mechanical or technical systems. Critics worry that such a metaphor risks reducing human experiences to impersonal processes, potentially stripping them of their depth, meaning, or moral significance. This critique often comes from philosophers who value existential or phenomenological approaches to human subjectivity, which emphasize personal experience and emotional significance over abstract systems.
Finally, some philosophers challenge Deleuze on the grounds that his ideas may lack political applicability. Although his writings often aim to provide a radical critique of traditional systems of power and control, critics argue that the concept of desiring-machines does not offer clear practical steps for addressing real-world problems. They may see it as offering an innovative critique without a concrete way to translate that critique into action or meaningful societal change.
These objections reflect broader debates about the role of philosophy itself—whether it should focus on abstract theorization or remain closely tied to the tangible realities of human experience. For these reasons, some thinkers remain skeptical of Deleuze’s approach and his desiring-machines in particular.
Why desiring-machines is important to Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy
These are some of the main reasons why grasping the concept of desiring-machines is crucial to comprehending Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy.
- Connection Between Desire and Production
The concept of desiring-machines offers a way to understand the link between human desire and production. Desires are not seen as abstract ideas or simple wants but act as dynamic forces that drive the creation of new realities. This perspective provides a unique way to consider how individuals and societies are constantly producing, whether through art, technology, or relationships. It emphasizes that desire is not passive but actively generates outputs, shaping environments and culture. By framing desire as productive, this idea challenges traditional views of desire as merely a lack or craving, instead exploring its powerful and constructive dimensions.
- Decentralizing the Human Subject
Desiring-machines shift focus away from traditional views of a unified, independent self. This approach highlights the fragmented, interconnected nature of individuals, exploring the ways in which external systems of culture, economy, and biology interact with internal processes. By decentralizing the individual, this idea suggests that people are not isolated entities but are deeply enmeshed in larger networks. This perspective encourages a rethinking of identity, recognizing that who we are is shaped by a web of relationships and influences. It opens up room to question fixed notions of individuality and prompts richer explorations of human complexity.
- Challenging Hierarchical Systems
The notion of desiring-machines does not follow a top-down structure but instead operates through collective and networked interactions. This is important because it resonates with broader critiques of hierarchical systems in society, be it in politics, education, or economics. By emphasizing connections and flows rather than rigid structures, this framework encourages alternative ways to view processes, whether in organizational practices or societal dynamics. It also sheds light on how systems of control can block or manipulate flows of desire, helping to reveal power structures and their impacts on human agency.
Contrasting Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy with Jacques Lacan’s philosophy
Gilles Deleuze’s concept of desiring-machines represents a significant departure from Jacques Lacan’s ideas, particularly in how each philosopher views desire and its relationship to the subject. For Lacan, desire is structured by lack; it exists as something that perpetually escapes fulfillment, revolving around the idea of an unattainable object of desire. Lacan ties desire to the symbolic order, where language and societal structures shape how individuals experience and understand lack.
Deleuze, however, rejects this notion of desire as stemming from lack. Instead, he sees desire as productive and generative—a positive force that drives processes and connections, free from the constraints of lack or absence. Desiring-machines, as Deleuze frames them, are the mechanisms through which desire operates, constantly creating and assembling flows in the world. This perspective radically shifts away from Lacan’s emphasis on the symbolic and the internal struggles tied to it, focusing instead on external processes and the interconnected nature of reality.
The difference lies in their underlying frameworks: Lacan views desire through a lens of psychoanalysis, oriented around internal structures of the unconscious and the symbolic, while Deleuze approaches desire as a functional and material process, oriented toward synthesis and production. This makes Deleuze’s philosophy more focused on connections and flow, contrasting sharply with Lacan’s emphasis on the gaps and limitations imposed by the symbolic order.
Desiring-Machines, Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy and the philosophy of life
Reflecting on Gilles Deleuze’s perspective about desiring-machines holds significant value when approaching the development of your own philosophy of life, whether or not you fully agree with his ideas. The act of engaging with a thinker like Deleuze encourages deep introspection and challenges you to consider how desire and creativity influence your daily life and broader goals. Philosophy, at its core, offers tools for examining our existence, and reflecting on such intricate ideas can foster clarity and purpose in your own worldview.
Deleuze’s thought invites consideration of how our desires shape the way we interact with the world, the systems we participate in, and our creative outputs. Whether you align with his conclusions or not, his work prompts valuable questions about autonomy, motivation, and the structures guiding our actions. By engaging with these questions, you can begin to evaluate what truly drives you and how those drivers fit within the life you envision. This kind of reflection can uncover patterns and influences that might otherwise go unnoticed, enabling you to make intentional choices about the direction of your life.
Practical importance also lies in Deleuze’s push to think differently—his philosophy challenges conventional ideas and encourages creativity in thought. This, in turn, can inspire you to approach life’s challenges with a more open and innovative mindset. Even if his concepts don’t resonate fully with you, the habit of grappling with profound ideas can build resilience and intellectual flexibility, both of which are crucial as you shape your own guiding principles.
Ultimately, reflecting on Deleuze’s views, including desiring-machines, is less about agreement and more about engagement. Philosophy thrives on dialogue, questioning, and exploration. Wrestling with his ideas can sharpen your ability to articulate your values, uncover meaningful insights about yourself, and refine the way you approach life. This process equips you with the tools to craft a philosophy of life that is not only deeply personal but also equipped to adapt to the complexities of modern existence.
Further reading
Deleuze, G., & Guattari, F. (1983). Anti-Oedipus: Capitalism and schizophrenia (R. Hurley, M. Seem, & H.R. Lane, Trans.). University of Minnesota Press. (Original work published 1972)
Deleuze, G., & Guattari, F. (1987). A Thousand Plateaus: Capitalism and schizophrenia (B. Massumi, Trans.). University of Minnesota Press. (Original work published 1980)
Ansell-Pearson, K. (1999). Germinal life: The difference and repetition of Deleuze. Routledge.
Bogue, R. (1989). Deleuze and Guattari. Routledge.
Colebrook, C. (2002). Gilles Deleuze. Routledge.
DeLanda, M. (2006). A new philosophy of society: Assemblage theory and social complexity. Continuum.
Goodchild, P. (1996). Deleuze and Guattari: An introduction to the politics of desire. SAGE Publications.
Guattari, F. (1995). Chaosmosis: An ethico-aesthetic paradigm (P. Bains & J. Pefanis, Trans.). Indiana University Press.
Holland, E. W. (1999). Deleuze and Guattari’s Anti-Oedipus: Introduction to schizoanalysis. Routledge.
Massumi, B. (1992). A user’s guide to Capitalism and schizophrenia: Deviations from Deleuze and Guattari. MIT Press.
Patton, P., & Protevi, J. (Eds.). (2003). Between Deleuze and Derrida. Continuum.
Smith, D. W., & Protevi, J. (Eds.). (2012). The Cambridge companion to Deleuze. Cambridge University Press.