Meaning: The quote by Harold Bloom touches on the concept of negative thinking and its connection to the school of deconstruction. To understand this quote, it's important to delve into the ideas of deconstruction and negative theology, as well as Harold Bloom's perspective as a literary critic.

Deconstruction is a philosophical and critical movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily associated with the work of Jacques Derrida. At its core, deconstruction seeks to challenge traditional assumptions about language, meaning, and truth. It emphasizes the inherent instability and ambiguity of language, arguing that words and texts do not have fixed or absolute meanings. Instead, meanings are constantly shifting and contingent upon context and interpretation.

One of the key aspects of deconstruction is its focus on the "negative." Rather than seeking to establish positive truths or meanings, deconstruction aims to reveal the underlying contradictions and complexities within texts and language. It involves dismantling binary oppositions, exposing the limitations of language, and revealing the inherent "undecidability" of meaning.

In the quote, Harold Bloom suggests that he shares a commonality with the school of deconstruction in terms of "negative thinking" or "negative awareness." This "negative" aspect aligns with the technical and philosophical sense of the negative, which Bloom connects to negative theology.

Negative theology, also known as apophatic theology, is a theological approach that emphasizes the ineffability and transcendence of the divine. It involves describing the nature of the divine by negation, highlighting what the divine is not rather than attempting to define what it is. Negative theologians argue that human language and concepts are inherently inadequate for capturing the essence of the divine, and therefore, the true nature of the divine can only be approached through negation and the recognition of the limitations of human understanding.

Bloom's reference to negative theology suggests that his affinity for "negative thinking" is informed by a broader philosophical and theological framework. By drawing a parallel between negative thinking in deconstruction and negative theology, Bloom implies that his critical approach shares a fundamental skepticism towards the possibility of establishing fixed or absolute meanings. Instead, like the negative theologians who approach the divine through negation, Bloom may approach literature and language with a similar awareness of the limitations and complexities inherent in interpretation and meaning-making.

As a prominent literary critic, Harold Bloom is known for his influential work in literary theory and criticism. His perspective on negative thinking and its connection to deconstruction and negative theology sheds light on the intricate interplay between philosophy, theology, and literary criticism. Bloom's willingness to engage with the complexities of interpretation and meaning aligns with the spirit of deconstruction, which challenges conventional notions of language and truth.

In conclusion, Harold Bloom's quote encapsulates the convergence of philosophical, theological, and critical perspectives. By linking negative thinking to deconstruction and negative theology, Bloom invites readers to consider the profound implications of skepticism and negation in the realms of language, literature, and interpretation. His words resonate with the enduring quest to grapple with the elusive nature of meaning and the inherent limitations of human understanding.