Meaning: Walter Benjamin, a prominent German literary critic, and philosopher, is known for his insightful observations on culture, society, and the impact of technology on human existence. The quote "Opinions are to the vast apparatus of social existence what oil is to machines: one does not go up to a turbine and pour machine oil over it; one applies a little to hidden spindles and joints that one has to know" encapsulates Benjamin's perspective on the role of opinions in shaping social dynamics.

In this quote, Benjamin employs a striking analogy by likening opinions to oil in the context of the vast apparatus of social existence. By comparing opinions to oil and social existence to machines, he draws attention to the interconnectedness of individuals' beliefs and the functioning of society as a whole. The analogy suggests that opinions, like oil in a machine, play a crucial but often subtle role in maintaining the smooth operation of social structures.

Benjamin's comparison also highlights the nuanced nature of opinions and their impact on social dynamics. Just as one does not indiscriminately pour oil over a machine, Benjamin suggests that opinions should be carefully applied to specific aspects of social existence. This notion emphasizes the idea that opinions, when judiciously expressed and integrated into the fabric of society, can contribute to the cohesion and functionality of social systems.

Moreover, Benjamin's reference to "hidden spindles and joints that one has to know" underscores the complexity and intricacy of social existence. He implies that understanding the underlying mechanisms of society is essential for effectively applying opinions to influence and navigate its structures. This notion aligns with Benjamin's broader intellectual project, which often delved into the underlying mechanisms of culture, history, and technology.

From a philosophical standpoint, Benjamin's quote invites reflection on the nature of opinions and their role in shaping social reality. It prompts consideration of how individual perspectives, when interwoven within the broader social fabric, can contribute to the functioning and evolution of society. Furthermore, the analogy of oil and machines suggests that opinions, like lubricants in a complex system, can facilitate the smooth operation of social interactions, institutions, and cultural phenomena.

In the context of contemporary society, Benjamin's quote remains relevant and thought-provoking. In an era characterized by diverse and often polarized opinions, his analogy serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between individual beliefs and the larger social framework. It encourages a nuanced understanding of the ways in which opinions, when discerningly applied, can influence the dynamics of public discourse, political processes, and collective consciousness.

In conclusion, Walter Benjamin's quote offers a compelling analogy that illuminates the relationship between opinions and social existence. Through the metaphor of oil and machines, Benjamin underscores the nuanced and strategic nature of expressing and integrating opinions within the broader societal apparatus. His insight prompts contemplation of the role that individual viewpoints play in shaping the complex mechanisms of social reality, emphasizing the need for discernment and understanding in navigating the interplay of opinions within the fabric of society.