"Exploring Strategies for Mending Europe Through the Lens of the 'Russian Psyche'"
In 1940, the Swiss exile publisher Vita Nova published Walter Schubart's groundbreaking work, "Spiritual Transformation. From Mechanics to Metaphysics," which delved into the fate of human existence in its struggle against materialism. This book, later known as "Europe and the Soul of the East," was not widely recognised in Germany until after the Second World War.
Born on August 5, 1897, in Sonneberg, Schubart was an author whose conservative humanism stood in opposition to positivism and naturalism. He earned his doctorate and, throughout his career, his work focused on the contrast between Western and Eastern cultures, particularly the "elementary experience" of the difference between the two.
"Europe and the Soul of the East" proposes a vision of a West-East world culture emerging through the "becoming" of Europe and the birth of a new, Promethean man. Schubart saw a new hope for the healing of Western humanity through the Russian soul, which he believed could curb unbridled capitalist materialism and return Europe to faith in tradition.
The book's focus is not on the physical and psychological damages of war, but rather the clash of civilizations. Schubart believed in a "rhythm of world events" that transcends nations and races, offering new hope for the healing of Western humanity. This hope is rooted in the spiritual depth and soul-orientation of the East, which contrasts with the more rational, individualistic worldview of the West.
Schubart's work does not only focus on Russia, but also on Europe, seen from the East. His perspective is a call for a dialogue that respects the East’s unique metaphysical perspectives, enabling a genuine synthesis rather than dominance of Western modes of thought.
Unfortunately, Schubart's books were placed on the index as "undesirable and harmful literature" after his relocation to Riga. However, "Europe and the Soul of the East" is internationally recognised for its precise depictions of people and events, and is considered foundational for a spiritual national-Russian rebirth.
During the Cold War, German author Heinrich Böll praised Schubart's books despite their differences. Schubart's work, such as "Dostoyevsky and Nietzsche," published in 1939, dealt with the spiritual relationship between Russia and Germany.
In essence, Schubart's main argument in "Europe and the Soul of the East" centers on the idea that the reconciliation of Western and Eastern thought requires a recognition of their fundamentally different spiritual and philosophical foundations. For true reconciliation, the West must acknowledge and integrate the Eastern emphasis on the soul and collective spiritual experience rather than imposing its own rationalistic framework.
This interpretation aligns with Schubart’s broader work on Eastern spirituality and philosophy, where he emphasized the inner, soulful dimensions of Eastern cultures as vital for understanding their worldview and fostering mutual comprehension between East and West.
Schubart's "Religion and Eros" was the only one of his works published in Germany by C. H. Beck in 1941, but was promptly torn apart in the Nazi press. Despite this, "Europe and the Soul of the East" stands as a humanitarian appeal during the war in Ukraine.
Schubart's work and ideas continue to resonate in scholarly discussions about comparative cultural studies, bridging the Cartesian logic of the West with the spiritual, holistic sensibilities of the East. For those interested in a deeper exploration of Schubart's thoughts, consulting a scholarly edition or analysis of his texts would be necessary.
- Walter Schubart's "Europe and the Soul of the East" proposes a vision of a merging West-East world culture that emphasizes the importance of spiritual depth and collective spiritual experience, highlighting a potential solution against the unbridled capitalist materialism of Western societies.
- Schubart's work, such as "Dostoyevsky and Nietzsche," published in 1939, focuses on the spiritual relationship between Russia and Germany, and his broader works on Eastern spirituality and philosophy advocate for mutual comprehension between East and West.
- As contemporary discussions revolve around comparative cultural studies, Schubart's ideas, resonating in works like "Religion and Eros," continue to offer valuable insights for bridging the Cartesian logic of the West with the spiritual, holistic sensibilities of the East.
