The Radicalism and Contradictions of Intellectuals
Intellectuals often strive for a better world, fueled by radical ideals. However, a recurring theme is a disconnect between their love for humanity in the abstract and their actions towards specific individuals. This disconnect often leads to hypocrisy and questionable choices.
Rousseau: Ideal Citizen, Abandoned Children
Rousseau, in his book "Emile," explored the education of an ideal citizen. Ironically, he abandoned his own five children to an orphanage, citing his inability to care for them. This contradiction was highlighted by Voltaire, who criticized Rousseau's philosophy as making people "want to crawl on the ground and walk on four legs." Voltaire even exposed Rousseau's personal life in a pamphlet. Rousseau later wrote "Confessions" to defend himself.
Sartre: Loving Humanity in Theory
Sartre, another prominent intellectual, exemplified this tendency. A key line from his play "Dirty Hands" reveals his perspective: "I love people, but I don't love them as they are, I love them as they should be." This illustrates the desire of some intellectuals to transform not only the world but also individual human beings, raising concerns about imposing their ideals on others. Sartre's pro-communist stance contributed to his popularity in China.
Sartre and Beauvoir: A "Contract" of Shared Loves
Born in Paris in 1905 and raised by his maternal grandfather, Sartre was exposed to a strong intellectual atmosphere. He later studied philosophy at the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris. In 1929, he met Simone de Beauvoir, and they formed a lifelong partnership based on intellectual connection and allowing each other to have other romantic and sexual relationships, which they would share with one another.
Beauvoir's work resonated with many young women, but later revealed the cruelty and ugliness beneath those relationships. The pair introduced female students to each other, leading to complex love triangles that involved multiple lovers in common, even the fiancés of the schoolgirls. These relationships had devastating consequences; one girl committed suicide and another attempted it. Beauvoir was even accused of corrupting minors and acting as a "pimp" but was not punished by law.
Sartre's Political Alignment and Controversial Statements
After World War II, Sartre became a fellow traveler of communism, stating, "The Soviet Union has a privilege because of its goal - justice and freedom for all." He declared himself a communist and a Marxist. He defended the Soviet Union, even overlooking its violence, claiming it was necessary for historical development. This stance led to conflict with Camus, who criticized the Soviet concentration camp system.
Sartre actively supported the Communist Party, even preventing a performance of his own play "Dirty Hands" because the party disapproved of it. He condemned the United States for executing the Rosenbergs, but remained silent when East Germany opened fire on peaceful protesters.
In 1954, Sartre visited the Soviet Union and praised it, claiming "there is absolute freedom of criticism in the Soviet Union." The following year, he and Beauvoir visited China and praised its rural collectivization, even suggesting communism was applicable in Europe.
Disillusionment and Later Years
While initially enamored with communist regimes, Sartre became disillusioned after Khrushchev exposed Stalin's crimes and the Soviet Union invaded Hungary. He condemned the invasion and broke with its supporters. However, he continued to advocate for revolutionary ideas and violence.
In 1960, Sartre and Beauvoir visited Cuba and praised it as "a direct democracy." He later supported the student movement in France, stating, "Violence is the only thing left in the hands of students." In his later years, Sartre engaged with left-wing organizations, including the Red Army Brigade, a German terrorist group. He passed away in 1980.
The Naivety and Contradictions of Intellectuals: Beyond Sartre
The trend of intellectuals supporting problematic regimes is not isolated to Sartre. George Bernard Shaw, a Nobel Prize winner, admired the Soviet Union and dismissed reports of famine as rumors, while still choosing to live in "hell-like" Britain. Romain Rolland, who had contacts with Lenin, praised the Soviet Union but privately criticized Stalin's personality cult and the authoritarian system, only publishing his criticisms posthumously.
Devotion to Ideals: Rewi Alley and Agnes Smedley
Some intellectuals, like Rewi Alley, devoted their lives to revolutionary causes, living in poverty and contributing to China's development. Agnes Smedley went even further, allegedly acting as a spy for multiple communist parties.
The Enduring Question of Means and Ends
The lives of these intellectuals highlight a recurring theme: the desire to create a more equal society, often coupled with the justification of violence to achieve that goal. The question of whether violence is justifiable, even for noble aims, remains a topic of debate. As a character in the TV series "Ando" reflects, using the enemy's methods can lead to losing one's own morality and inner peace.
Sartre's Art: "No Exit"
Despite his controversial political views and personal life, Sartre was a talented playwright. His play "No Exit" offers a compelling exploration of human nature. The play depicts three deceased individuals trapped in a room in hell, where they are forced to confront their flaws and are scrutinized by each other. The characters realize that "hell is other people," trapped in a cycle of mutual torment and self-deception.