Edgar Morin, philosopher and sociologist from France and honorary member of the MCAF, was interviewed by Radiofrance on 26th June to present his new book “Encore un moment”. A fascinating collection of personal, literary, historical and philosophical texts, it brings together his immense knowledge, accumulated over a century of life, to question the complexity of reality and reflect on the future of our human society. At his 102 years, Edgar Morin’s curiosity about the world and humanity remains incomparably lively and contagious.
In the same interview, he not only spoke of his new publication and what it means to him. He also invited us to reflect on the meaning of life and death, giving his specific and concrete vision based on his biographical journey, in an enthusiastic and very cheerful spirit. Now, he continous being a sign of impetus and fascination for the pleasures of the world, human feelings and the little and great things that life has to offer us.
Living means thinking?
Edgar Morin: “Among other things, to be alive is to feel, to love, to be moved, to be sad…. Living is a mixture of factors, affectivity and permanent brain activity”.
Recalling aspects of his life – in the interview for the French media – he recounted the difficult and challenging moments he had to overcome in order to survive in many situations, such as, for example, during his years of resistance during the Second World War:
At that time he was never afraid to die. He and his colleagues in the resistance movement were so determined to defeat Nazism that death or life did not matter, he says in his book.
“I took huge precautions to avoid being tracked, to keep my house hidden. I knew my life was at risk. Despite this, I felt good about myself and happy to do my duty. I lived in a fraternity of hope. Those were days in which fear was only a secondary element that was constantly being overcomed”.
With the events of this nature that he experienced from his youth and even before, a large part of his life as a philosopher was devoted to questioning and reflecting about the meaning of life. From a humanist perspective, he understands that this meaning is unique and global for the human race:
“Although I felt French, European, I also felt linked to the world, to the destiny of all humanity in an increasingly incredible, improbable and uncertain adventure. My mission is to try to understand what can happen, to show the risks we run. Strangely enough, at 102 years old, I feel more motivated than ever because we are living through particularly terrible circumstances”.
Full interview on Radiofrance: Radiofrance interview with Edgar Morin