Meaning: The quote "I have always had school sickness, as others have seasickness. I cried when it was time to go back to school long after I was old enough to be ashamed of such behavior" by Jacques Derrida, a French philosopher, captures a sentiment that many people can relate to. It speaks to the experience of feeling a sense of discomfort or unease in the context of formal education, and the emotional response that can accompany that feeling. In this case, Derrida compares his aversion to school to the physical discomfort that some individuals experience when at sea, drawing a parallel between the two sensations.

Jacques Derrida, a prominent figure in the field of philosophy, is known for his work in deconstruction and post-structuralism. He was deeply influential in shaping contemporary philosophical thought and his ideas have had a significant impact on fields such as literary theory, cultural studies, and critical theory.

The quote reflects Derrida's personal experience with education, suggesting that his aversion to school was so intense that it evoked an emotional response, leading him to cry at the thought of returning. The comparison to seasickness adds a layer of vivid imagery to the sentiment, as it likens the discomfort to a physical ailment.

The analogy between school sickness and seasickness also serves to highlight the involuntary and uncontrollable nature of the feeling. Just as a person cannot simply will themselves to overcome seasickness, Derrida implies that his aversion to school was similarly beyond his conscious control. This raises questions about the nature of these aversions and the factors that contribute to them, inviting contemplation on the emotional and psychological aspects of education.

Derrida's admission of crying about going back to school, regardless of his age and the societal expectations of maturity, challenges the notion that such emotional responses are limited to childhood. By acknowledging his continued emotional struggle with the idea of returning to school, Derrida disrupts the assumption that individuals should outgrow such feelings as they mature. This invites consideration of the enduring impact that educational experiences can have on a person's emotional landscape.

The quote also raises broader questions about the nature of education and its impact on individuals. It prompts reflection on the emotional dimensions of learning and the ways in which educational environments can shape one's relationship to knowledge and formal instruction. Derrida's candid admission serves as a reminder that the experience of education is not solely intellectual, but also deeply emotional and personal.

In conclusion, Jacques Derrida's quote about his aversion to school offers a poignant reflection on the emotional complexities of education. By likening his discomfort to seasickness and admitting to crying at the thought of returning to school, Derrida brings attention to the deeply personal and often involuntary nature of such feelings. His words invite contemplation on the emotional impact of educational experiences and challenge assumptions about the relationship between maturity and emotional responses to learning.