George Steiner: 'We know that a man can read Goethe or Rilke in the evening, that he can play Bach and Schubert, and go to his day's work at Auschwitz in the morning.'

We know that a man can read Goethe or Rilke in the evening, that he can play Bach and Schubert, and go to his day's work at Auschwitz in the morning.

George Steiner's quote, "We know that a man can read Goethe or Rilke in the evening, that he can play Bach and Schubert, and go to his day's work at Auschwitz in the morning," presents a haunting paradox that challenges our understanding of human nature and moral responsibility. On the surface, Steiner suggests that individuals can engage in profound cultural works of art and simultaneously commit unimaginable acts of cruelty. This quote serves as a stark reminder of the complexity of human beings and raises significant questions about the relationship between intellect, morality, and the potential for evil.At first glance, this quote may seem inconceivable or even illogical. How can someone appreciate the beauty of Goethe's or Rilke's works, immerse themselves in the sublime compositions of Bach and Schubert, and then proceed to participate in the horrors of Auschwitz? We instinctively expect individuals who engage with such artistic and intellectual greatness to embody virtuous qualities and moral integrity. Yet, Steiner reminds us that this is not always the case. The real challenge lies in grasping how an individual can compartmentalize their life in such a way that the ennobling sources of intellectual and aesthetic fulfillment coexist with unfathomable acts of cruelty.To delve deeper into this paradox, we can introduce a philosophical concept that sheds light on the tension between the intellect and morality: Friedrich Nietzsche's idea of the duality of human nature. Nietzsche proposed the concept of the "two-fold man," suggesting that every human being possesses both a higher, noble self, and a lower, base self. He believed that the recognition and acceptance of this inherent duality are essential for understanding human behavior.Nietzsche argued that individuals have the potential for greatness, as evidenced by their capacity to appreciate art and engage in profound intellectual pursuits. However, this potential for excellence does not necessarily translate into virtuous behavior or moral conduct. According to Nietzsche, the ability to separate different aspects of one's life, to partition the noble pursuits from the base actions, is a fundamental characteristic of humanity.By juxtaposing Steiner's quote with Nietzsche's philosophy, we begin to comprehend how individuals can embody such conflicting qualities. The man who reads Goethe or Rilke, who plays Bach and Schubert, can compartmentalize their life and temporarily suspend their conscience while engaging in acts of utmost evil. This suspension of morality is not rooted in an absence of understanding but rather in a remarkable ability to separate different parts of their being and give way to their lower nature while still reveling in the aesthetic and intellectual stimuli of culture.While this concept may be disquieting and challenge our notions of what it means to be human, it is important to acknowledge its validity. History has shown that individuals capable of great accomplishments in the realms of art, science, or philosophy have also, at times, been complicit in or perpetrated acts of unspeakable horror. This realization calls into question the comforting idea that advanced intellectual or artistic pursuits inherently safeguard us from immorality.In confronting this uncomfortable truth, we must grapple with the delicate balance between our intellectual and moral faculties. Does the pursuit of knowledge and artistic expression necessarily lead to moral growth and insight, or can they exist independently of one another? While it is tempting to believe that the pursuit of beauty and truth should naturally lead to moral rectitude, Steiner's quote reminds us of the complexities of human nature. Individuals are capable of compartmentalization and moral dissonance, challenging the notion that our intellectual pursuits alone determine our ethical standing.Ultimately, Steiner's quote serves as a haunting reminder of the depths of human complexity and the potential for contradiction within each of us. By introducing Nietzsche's concept of the duality of human nature, we begin to understand how individuals can simultaneously engage with the highest expressions of culture and perpetrate acts of unspeakable horror. It prompts us to question the interconnectedness of intellect and morality, urging us to continually examine and reconcile the contradictions within ourselves and society as a whole. Only through this introspection and a deeper understanding can we hope to navigate the complexities of being human and strive for a more refined moral compass.