Meaning: This quote by Tahar Ben Jelloun, a Moroccan-French writer and poet, reflects a critical perspective on the societal and political developments that have taken place since the end of the Second World War. Jelloun's words convey a sense of disillusionment with the direction in which the world has evolved, particularly in terms of the governance and social norms that have come to prevail. In order to understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical context of the post-World War II era and explore Jelloun's views on the nature of contemporary regimes and societal values.

The period following the Second World War witnessed a significant shift in global geopolitics, with the emergence of the Cold War division between the capitalist West and the communist East. This era also marked the decolonization of many countries in Asia and Africa, leading to the establishment of new nation-states. The United Nations was founded as a forum for international cooperation and conflict resolution, and efforts were made to promote human rights and prevent future global conflicts. However, Jelloun's quote suggests that despite these developments, the world has failed to achieve a meaningful transformation in terms of the quality of governance and the societal norms that govern everyday life.

Jelloun's use of the term "petty, bourgeois regimes" conveys a sense of disdain for the prevailing systems of governance that have come to dominate the post-war world. The word "petty" suggests a narrow-minded and small-scale approach to governance, one that is focused on trivial matters rather than addressing the broader needs and aspirations of society. Meanwhile, the term "bourgeois" implies a middle-class orientation that prioritizes average, mundane values over more visionary or transformative ideals. This characterization reflects Jelloun's belief that the political and social systems that have emerged in the post-war era lack the ambition and vision to bring about meaningful change.

The phrase "in which everything is average, mediocre" further emphasizes Jelloun's dissatisfaction with the status quo. By describing contemporary regimes as promoting mediocrity and averageness, Jelloun is expressing a critique of the lack of innovation, excellence, and ambition in the post-war world. This sentiment can be interpreted as a lament for the absence of extraordinary leadership and societal values that inspire people to strive for greatness and make positive contributions to the world.

Jelloun's perspective can be seen as a call to action, urging societies to aspire to higher standards and to reject complacency and mediocrity. His critique resonates with broader discussions about the state of contemporary politics and the cultural values that shape our societies. It invites reflection on the ways in which political and social systems can be reimagined to better serve the interests of the people and to foster a culture of excellence and innovation.

In conclusion, Tahar Ben Jelloun's quote encapsulates a thought-provoking critique of the post-World War II era, highlighting the perceived shortcomings of contemporary regimes and societal norms. His words prompt us to consider the extent to which our political and social systems have fallen short of inspiring greatness and fostering excellence. By engaging with Jelloun's perspective, we are challenged to reflect on the kind of world we have created since the end of the Second World War and to envision a future that embodies more ambitious and transformative values.