60 SECOND INTERVIEW: WHAT IS ’PATAPHYSICS?

What is ’Pataphysics?

’Pataphysics is a vast forested plain of rich soils and temperate climate, sloping gently toward the east and terminating in cliffs along the Ocean or, travelling in the opposite direction from the coast, the country rises in a succession of limestone pavements, wind-swept, semiarid, and bare of vegetation.

What is the weather in ’Pataphysics?

The climate is less severe than was supposed by early colonisers. One day out of three, the wind blows and cuts to the marrow. When the wind is not blowing high rainfall and low temperatures give rise to cold and humid air masses resulting in ice-fields and glaciers, in fact, the largest ice-fields in western literature.

What about cities in ’Pataphysics?

Cities are situated on the forested plain along rivers where transportation depends wholly on the French naval frigate Méduse. The cities are built only a few feet above the level of the river, and streets usually end at the margin of the impenetrable forest. The heavy rainfall results in severe flooding on a regular basis. Built with no river defences and with defective drainage, the death-rate in the cities is high.

What is the principal industry of ’Pataphysics?

The principal industry of ’Pataphysics is the retail of agricultural products such as loin of sea turtle, dolphin livers, Piranha Salad, Congealed sweetened pigs blood, Water buffalo skin, marmalade of sea anemone and fermented beets: all sold from stalls decorated with fantastic landscapes made of caster oil, Madeleine cakes, butter and dried meat.

Why have I heard of ’Pataphysics?

The region became fashionable with wealthy celebrities, fuelling a boom in property prices. These new residents seek to puzzle and, indeed, confuse many people but for those who have accepted their private obsessions with landscaped gardens there is no doubt as to their value and achievements. Of the original inhabitants, the ’Pataphysic giants, the most important are Satrap Queneau, Bison Ravi and Vice-Rogator Chapman, all now, sadly, gone.

What is ’Pataphysics to the ordinary person in the street?

’Pataphysics is the experience of the ordinary person in the street! The ordinary person in the street moves in a world drained of meaning and sees people in pursuit of objectives that cannot be attained and cannot be understood; they suffer the shock of the realization that the world is ceasing to make sense.

And so, as our sponsor recommends, “Mangez le cheesecake et pas du pain”.