From the Dada Manifesto (1916, Hugo Ball)

How does one achieve eternal bliss? By saying dada. How does one become famous? By saying dada. With a noble gesture and delicate propriety. Till one goes crazy. Till one loses consciousness. How can one get rid of everything that smacks of journalism, worms, everything nice and right, blinkered, moralistic, europeanised, enervated? By saying dada. Dada is the world soul, dada is the pawnshop. Dada is the world's best lily-milk soap. Dada Mr Rubiner, dada Mr Korrodi. Dada Mr Anastasius Lilienstein. In plain language: the hospitality of the Swiss is something to be profoundly appreciated. And in questions of aesthetics the key is quality.

 

          I believe the meaning of this paragraph is that happiness if found within. If we accept that the word Dada means nothing and everything, and that we give that sound a name and meaning, then the way to create something whether is bliss of fame is with your mind. When Mr. Ball says to one should say the word Dada till one goes crazy and loses consciousness, he is instructing us to let go of everything. Our earthly possessions, relationships, sentimental values, family ties, religious believes, desire, love and hate, these are all things that prevent us from getting in touch with our true self. If one can let go of it all, one get to higher state of being. A state where we can appreciate how absurd or nonsensical a thing, person, rules, or ideas can be. I believe that this passage instruct us to renounce the reality in witch we live and create our own. Hugo Ball was motivated by his disapproval where society was heading in Germany after the war. A philosophy that proclaim to have the ultimate truth, accepted by the general public, helped build the foundation for the start of the next war. I can’t help but fear about the parallels between out time and Mr. Ball time. We are once again at a point in time where nations believe that they way of life is not only the best way, but the only way; and are willing to use military powers to impose their way of life on others. In a time of multiple and perpetual wars between people and nations around the world, the only thing that can keep you from going crazy is Dada.