Couldn't agree more with all the praise for the great Pierre Ryckmans/Simon Leys. A masterful writer, a great educator, and most importantly a courageous and wise human being.
I think sadly that Leys here falls victim to an uncompromising prism through which it is inconceivable to evaluate Céline and his political activity/beliefs from a position other than the comfortable status quo of Allied victory, international liberal capitalism and anti-racism. The same of course applies to other famous cases like that of Heidegger or, as Leys mentions, Lucien Rebatet. I think this is just as real a human failing on Leys' part as that of which he accuses Céline and Rebatet.
Couldn't agree more with all the praise for the great Pierre Ryckmans/Simon Leys. A masterful writer, a great educator, and most importantly a courageous and wise human being.
Brilliant man and equally brilliant writer. Do yourself a service and read The Hall of Uselessness.
A shame no one is watching this video.
Godspeed
Indeed Simon Leys is a critic and philosopher deserve my and my students respect.
Thank you very much for all kind words.
discovered and enjoyed simon leys early on in China--a rare scholar human.
He just die on monday and i just read him for the first time -in spanish- last week... RIP...
RIP SIMON..... A LIFE WELL LIVED
人生朝露
Who said “chance are the God of the morons”? I can’t hear clearly
Bernanos. "Le hasard est le dieu des imbéciles".
I think sadly that Leys here falls victim to an uncompromising prism through which it is inconceivable to evaluate Céline and his political activity/beliefs from a position other than the comfortable status quo of Allied victory, international liberal capitalism and anti-racism. The same of course applies to other famous cases like that of Heidegger or, as Leys mentions, Lucien Rebatet. I think this is just as real a human failing on Leys' part as that of which he accuses Céline and Rebatet.
Even so It is no doubt more preferable than being a functionary of a murderous regime.