De Certeau: The Practice of Everyday Life

#1 The art of memory and circumstance

Metis, as we know, is seizing the moment. In this section, de Certeau tries to define metis more precisely by exploring the multiple dimensions in which it takes place: time and space, being and operating, visibility and invisibility.

Metis is, as de Certeau says, “a principle of economy: obtain the maximum number of effects from the minimum force.” He states that there is a “‘turn’ or inversion that leads the operation from its point of departure (less force) to its destination (more effects.)” On page 64 de Certeau maps out this process. In short, less force (I), the opportunities you have in a given set of circumstances, leads to more memory (II), exploration of past experiences and possible outcomes. More memory then leads to less time (III), the right moment to act, which finally leads to more effects (IV), the set of actions that create a new equilibrium.

The first part of metis is being in a set place (I), be it an art studio or a football field. To physically affect a situation, one must be present at the point in space where the situation is occurring. Metis implies action, but the action must start with knowledge: the many pieces of knowledge as well as many past experiences that make up memory (II). Memory, de Certeau says, is part of the time dimension because each memory lacks place but is a fragment of time. With memory, we are able to recall past experiences and know how to handle certain situations. The next step is recognizing the right moment (III) and being able to use memory to decide how to respond to the situation. This is also part of the time dimension. Being able to recognize the right moment is essential because carrying out an action is as much about knowing when to act as it is about knowing how to act. The last part of metis is acting, or as de Certeau calls it, modification of space (IV). This is the actual act which changes the outcome of the situation. De Certeau sees this as a progression from space to time to time to space (as shown on page 64).

This progression from I through IV can also be described in terms or being and operating. Being is an established state and operating is the transformation of that state. Standing at a point in space (I) and having the experience and memory that are necessary (II) are part of being. Conversely, recognizing the right point in time (III) and performing the appropriate action (IV) are part of operating (as shown on page 65).

Lastly, metis can be seen in terms of visible and invisible. All parts except memory (II) are visible. This diagram, as well as a table summarizing all three points of view can be seen on page 65.

#2 An art of thinking: Kant
In this passage de Certeau discusses how Kant believes that judgment is the “middle term” between theory and practice. Judgment is placed between “the understanding that knows and the reason that desires,” and is therefore said to be a universal principle of harmony between imagination and understanding. Kant also describes judgment as a type of intelligence that ties together moral intelligence (freedom), esthetic intelligence (creation), and practical intelligence (action).

Kant presents judgment as an art that is at the root of thought: what characterizes art, according to de Certeau, is “The transformation of a given equilibrium into another.” A magician, Kant says, depends on knowledge, but a tightrope walker, who must constantly reevaluate and readjust his situation, depends on art.