Meaning: The quote "Post-modernism is modernism with the optimism taken out" by historian Robert Hewison succinctly captures the essence of post-modernism as a critical response to modernist ideals. In order to understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the concepts of modernism and post-modernism, and the context in which they emerged.

Modernism, which gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was characterized by a belief in progress, rationality, and the potential for human achievement. It encompassed diverse artistic, literary, and philosophical movements that sought to break away from traditional norms and embrace innovation and experimentation. Modernist thinkers and artists were driven by a sense of optimism and a faith in the ability of human intellect and creativity to shape a better future.

Post-modernism, on the other hand, emerged as a reaction against the grand narratives and certainties of modernism. It questioned the idealism and optimism of modernist thought, highlighting the limitations and failures of the modernist project. Post-modernism is characterized by a skepticism towards universal truths, a rejection of linear progress, and a recognition of the complexity and diversity of human experience.

By stating that post-modernism is modernism with the optimism taken out, Hewison draws attention to the shift in perspective from the confidence and idealism of modernism to the skepticism and disillusionment of post-modernism. The quote suggests that post-modernism represents a departure from the utopian visions of progress and a recognition of the ambivalence and uncertainty inherent in human endeavors.

In the realm of art and literature, post-modernism is marked by a rejection of traditional forms and conventions, and an embrace of fragmentation, pastiche, and irony. Artists and writers sought to deconstruct established norms and challenge the notion of a singular, authoritative perspective. This approach reflected a departure from the modernist belief in the autonomy and originality of the artist, and instead emphasized the intertextuality and multiplicity of meaning.

In the field of philosophy, post-modernism questioned the foundations of knowledge and truth, challenging the idea of objective reality and advocating for a more subjective and contextual understanding of experience. This epistemological shift mirrored the broader cultural and social changes that accompanied the transition from modernity to post-modernity.

Hewison's quote encapsulates the essence of post-modernism as a critical stance that emerged in response to the perceived shortcomings of modernism. It highlights the disillusionment and skepticism that characterized the post-modernist outlook, and the rejection of the unbridled optimism of modernist thought.

In conclusion, the quote "Post-modernism is modernism with the optimism taken out" offers a concise and insightful commentary on the transition from modernism to post-modernism. It serves as a starting point for exploring the complexities and contradictions of post-modernist thought, and the ways in which it has shaped our understanding of art, literature, philosophy, and culture.