In a reminiscent echo of age-old wisdom, French sociologist and philosopher Edgar Morin (born 1921) continues to sound the alarm on the crisis engulfing our civilization. He specifically highlights the escalating dangers of violence and ignorance on the fate of humanity. In a recent call to action, Morin, author of “Are We Heading Towards the Abyss?”, urges a stance against forgetting “just causes,” especially regarding the current plight of those in Gaza. Edgar Morin’s Warnings Civilization Crisis
During an interview on “The Great Library” hosted by renowned French journalist and literary critic Augustin Trapenard, Morin delved into the human condition in today’s perplexing and complex world. He emphasized the need to resist succumbing to hatred, which he believes is increasingly prevalent.
Morin, author of “Lessons from a Century of Life” (2023), pointed out our existence in a world of uncertainty, where human fate seems utterly forgotten. He expressed concern over the unprecedented dangers humanity faces, especially if a widespread war breaks out, potentially involving nuclear and other devastating weapons.
In his diverse literary works, including “The Well-Ordered Mind,” “Man and Death,” “The Culture and Barbarity of Europe,” and “The Violence of the World,” Morin emphasizes the need to confront our seemingly chaotic world. He believes that chaos harbors both destructive and creative forces, a concept echoed by the ancient Greeks who perceived the cosmos as born from chaos, a blend of order and disorder.
Morin, of Sephardic Jewish descent, is known for his support of Palestinian statehood rights. A 2004 article he wrote for the French newspaper “Le Monde,” criticizing Israeli policy, led to a lawsuit in France.
His philosophy, shaped by personal experiences including participation in the Spanish Civil War, involvement with the French Communist Party, and service in the French army during World War II, advocates for a “war without hatred.” He believes in distinguishing between hating an ideology, like Nazism, and not demonizing people, stressing the importance of recognizing the humanity in all, even adversaries.
Morin calls for education in schools to promote a culture that resists hatred, viewing it as a primary contributor to contempt and dehumanization, often exacerbated by war. He sees the role of intellectuals as crucial in understanding and articulating the complexities of reality.
For Morin, the youth play a pivotal role in the salvation of humanity. He encourages young people to be aware of the global environmental degradation and the threats to our civilization, urging them to stand united against destruction and hatred.
Morin’s poetic inclination is not just about reading poems; it’s about living them, finding harmony in society, love, and wonder. His insights and advocacy reflect a deep concern for humanity’s trajectory amidst the challenges of violence, ignorance, and environmental crises. Edgar Morin’s Warnings Civilization Crisis
