2024-09-20 19:49:00
The writings for «The Liberal Revolution»; Singer’s 1926 trip to Jewish agricultural cooperatives in Ukraine and Belarus; Andrea Minuz’s essay on anti-Berlusconism
The Jewish colonization in Palestine in the years between the two wars – it was the first time that large groups of Jews dedicated themselves to agriculture – occurred in conjunction (and probably also in some relation) with the similar phenomenon that occurred for some time in USSR. The heart of the book Israel Joshua Singerolder brother of the much better known Isaac Bashevis (
The new Russia
translated by Marina Morpurgo, with a note by Francesco M. Cataluccio, edited by Elisabetta Zevi, Adelphi, pp. 276, 19 euros) is precisely a long journey undertaken in 1926 by the author, sent by a Yiddish newspaper in New York, between the villages of the numerous Jewish agricultural cooperatives recently established in Ukraine and Belarus. The long report is actually rather monotonous and depressing: in almost all the villages the scarcity of equipment, the lack of livestock, the poverty of housing and hunger dominate. Morale does not appear particularly high either. Much more lively and interesting, however, are Singer’s observations on the atmosphere experienced by Russia in the recent times of the NEP (the New Economic Policy): characterized by a sort of widespread creative chaos in which there is still a certain freedom, you can still feel the optimism of the revolution.
To dispel many widespread prejudices about the meaning of the University and the work of university professors, these pages of Luigi Einaudi now republished together with other of his writings published in Piero Gobetti’s «The Liberal Revolution» (For «The Liberal Revolution». Writingspreface by Francesco Perfetti, Aragno, pp. 120, 18 euros). Starting from the very blunt statement that the main reason why the State pays a university professor is not and must not be to teach, but rather another: to study: because in this way «he discovers the new, pure scientific truths from which they will derive over time practical applications of great importance; creates, with historical, philological and moral research, that environment eager for knowledge in which only a cultured ruling class can be formed, capable of leading a nation to great destinies». The dominant demagoguery laughs at hearing such things and always invokes the “practical” purpose of education: unaware, however, that its laughter now risks echoing among the rubble.
In a time of militant anti-Melonism, here is a precious little book that has the value of a kind of review (or, if you prefer, a memento), reminding us of the illustrious precedent of anti-Berlusconism that once was. (We hated each other so much. Brief history of anti-BerlusconismThe Mill, pp. 125, 11 euros). Author Andrea Minuzuniversity professor but especially known for his brilliant articles in the «Foglio». We risked forgetting the quantity of violent words, nonsense, hysteria, ridiculous nonsense (“I’m going into exile”, “I’m resigning as an Italian”) in which, as usual, especially the so-called intellectuals excelled in those years, and which we find here almost incredulous. Worth remembering is an observation by Aldo Grasso reported by Minuz: «With anti-Berlusconism politics becomes entirely televised. Anti-Berlusconism has brought all politics onto TV. There was a moment when we were almost ashamed to make programs that weren’t in that sense.” I have the impression that that moment on certain channels still lasts…
September 20, 2024 (changed September 20, 2024 | 9.49pm)
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Liberal Thought
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to this special edition of Time.news. Today, we’re delving into the world of liberal thought and historical reflections on agricultural movements, particularly through the lens of Jewish colonization during the interwar period. I’m thrilled to have with us Dr. Sarah Rothberg, a historian specializing in early 20th-century Eastern European Jewish communities and their agricultural endeavors. Sarah, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Rothberg: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss these important historical topics with you.
Editor: Let’s start with Israel Joshua Singer’s journey in 1926. His observations of Jewish agricultural cooperatives in Ukraine and Belarus strike me as quite poignant. Can you elaborate on the significance of these cooperatives during that era?
Dr. Rothberg: Absolutely. Singer’s travelogue serves as a window into the aspirations and challenges faced by Jewish settlers in these regions. At a time when many Jews were fleeing persecution in Eastern Europe, the establishment of agricultural cooperatives was both a practical response to economic hardship and a cultural endeavor to reclaim a connection to the land. However, as Singer reported, the reality was often grim—his descriptions of poverty and lack of resources paint a stark picture.
Editor: It seems that despite the hardships, there was also a creative atmosphere emerging, especially influenced by the NEP in Russia. How did that contribute to the community’s spirit?
Dr. Rothberg: Yes, very much so. The NEP allowed for a degree of economic flexibility and creative expression, which Singer vividly captures. Despite the grim conditions, there was an optimism about the possibilities for growth and self-sufficiency among these communities. This juxtaposition of hope against hardship is critical to understanding not just the Jewish agricultural movement, but also the broader social transformations occurring in the early Soviet period.
Editor: Fascinating. Shifting gears a bit, I’d like to discuss Luigi Einaudi’s writings featured in “The Liberal Revolution.” He argues that the primary role of a university professor is not to teach but to conduct research. How does this perspective fit into contemporary debates about education?
Dr. Rothberg: Einaudi’s views are incredibly relevant today. He emphasizes the importance of academic freedom and the generation of knowledge as a foundational element for societal progress. This contrasts sharply with the more utilitarian views of education that prioritize immediate job training over holistic intellectual development. In a way, Einaudi is calling for a reevaluation of what we value in academics—not just producing graduates but cultivating critical thinkers who can indeed lead society to greater heights.
Editor: That’s a thought-provoking take. It seems there’s a tension between the practical purposes of education and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. Do you think that tension exists in the historical narratives we’ve discussed as well?
Dr. Rothberg: Definitely. The tension between survival and aspiration is evident in both the Jewish agricultural cooperative experience and Einaudi’s writings. For the Jewish communities in Ukraine and Belarus, the fight against poverty and for self-determination was intertwined with a deeper cultural mission. Similarly, Einaudi’s insistence on the importance of research speaks to a broader cultural aspiration, one that values intellectual growth over immediate practical outcomes. Both narratives highlight the importance of striving towards higher ideals even in the face of adversity.
Editor: Before we wrap up, how do you think these historical insights inform our understanding of current socio-political movements, particularly in the context of liberalism?
Dr. Rothberg: History has a way of echoing through time. Today, as we see renewed discussions around the role of education, community development, and social justice, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of past movements gives us valuable lessons. Liberalism in its essence is about fostering individual and collective freedoms, but it also requires a commitment to critical thinking, cultural dialogue, and the pursuit of knowledge—qualities that are just as vital now as they were then.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah. It’s been enlightening to hear your thoughts on these significant historical and philosophical topics. We appreciate you sharing your expertise with us today.
Dr. Rothberg: Thank you for the opportunity. It was a pleasure discussing these important issues.