The fact that translation and Translation Studies are flourishing nowadays within academic life, whereas the Humanities in general seem to be in bad shape (e.g. as far as the economic aspect of the book market is concerned), has probably a deeper significance. What is the significance of the fact that translation, discourse on translation and research on translation are fashionable and are allocated funds, while money is being refused to other, much better-established areas? Why has translation become fashionable?