Abstract
The worst man-made disaster in the history of Lebanon occurred in a highly revolutionary context. The revolutionary and the catastrophic event have this in common that they remain overwhelmingly incredible and unpredictable. However, if revolutionary action remains the source of hope and change, the disaster of the harbor expresses the crushing despair of the tragic. Therefore, the catastrophe provokes much more stupor than revolt. The catastrophic event seems to be inhabited by violence, destiny and irrationality that challenges the very principle of reason.