Jacques Derrida (1930–2004) is one of the most famous thinkers of the 20th century, a key figure in poststructuralism. His name is primarily associated with “deconstruction,” a form of critical reading and textual analysis that involves a particular interpretation of Western metaphysics and traditional Western philosophy in general, as well as everyday thinking and language. Derrida sought to reveal the conventions with which philosophy operates, its assumptions and hidden codes; to show that all language is built on ambiguities and that “there is nothing outside the text.” Derrida's unconventional ideas have had a significant influence on modern philosophy, aesthetics, literary studies and other humanities.