Difference and Repetition

About “Difference and Repetition”

Difference and Repetition is a philosophical work by Gilles Deleuze, first presented in 1969 as his doctoral thesis at the Sorbonne. It is regarded as a key text in contemporary philosophy and one of Deleuze's most original contributions. The book introduces the concepts of pure difference and complex repetition, exploring how difference leads to divergence and decentering, while repetition involves displacement and disguise. Deleuze draws on thinkers such as Hegel, Kierkegaard, Freud, Althusser, and Nietzsche to challenge Western metaphysics. The work marked a shift in French thought away from Hegel and Marx toward Nietzsche and Freud. It has become essential for philosophers and literary critics. This translation has been widely anticipated.