Eric Gutkind: The Philosopher of Mysticism and Revolt
Eric Gutkind (1877–1965) was a German Jewish philosopher whose work bridged the gap between ancient mysticism and modern existential struggle. From his early academic roots in Berlin to his later years teaching in New York City, Gutkind sought a dynamic reinterpretation of faith and existence, positioning himself within a global network of pacifist intellectuals and mystics.
Educated at the Humanistic Gymnasium and the University of Berlin, Gutkind's intellectual curiosity was vast. He studied anthropology under J. J. Bachofen and engaged deeply with mathematics, the sciences, and the history of art. His philosophical journey began with an interest in Gnosticism—an ancient religious movement emphasizing secret knowledge—which eventually evolved into a profound exploration of Jewish philosophy and the Kabbala (the mystical tradition of Judaism).
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Key Facts
- Born: February 9, 1877, in Berlin, German Empire.
- Died: August 26, 1965, in Chautauqua, New York.
- Core Philosophy: Integrated Gnosticism, Kabbala, and a call for a dynamic, non-orthodox Jewish faith.
- Notable Circle: Associated with figures like Walter Benjamin, Martin Buber, and Wassily Kandinsky.
- Major Works: Siderische Geburt, The Absolute Collective, and Choose Life.
Intellectual Circles and Global Influence
Gutkind was a central figure in a pacifist-mystical circle of European intellectuals. This diverse group included renowned thinkers and artists such as Walter Benjamin, Martin Buber, L. E. J. Brouwer, Henri Borel, Frederik van Eeden, Wassily Kandinsky, Franz Oppenheimer, Walther Rathenau, Romain Rolland, Upton Sinclair, and Rabindranath Tagore.
In 1910, writing under the pseudonym Volker, Gutkind published Siderische Geburt: Seraphische Wanderung vom Tode der Welt zur Taufe der Tat (Sideric birth: seraphic peregrination from the death of the world to the baptism of action). This work became a cornerstone for the circle and later served as the philosophical manifesto for the New Europe Groups in 1920s London. Organized by Yugoslavian teacher Dimitrije Mitrinović, these groups attracted influential figures including Sir Patrick Geddes, Sir Frederick Soddy, and John Cowper Powys.
Life in America and Later Works
Gutkind emigrated to the United States in 1933, where he taught at the New School and the College of the City of New York. His presence in the U.S. was marked by an influential following of students who were dissatisfied with both religious orthodoxy and liberalism, seeking instead a more concrete and dynamic spiritual path.
In 1937, he published The Absolute Collective in London, a work praised by author Henry Miller for being "entirely on the side of life." His 1952 publication, Choose Life: The Biblical Call To Revolt, offered a provocative reinterpretation of traditional Judaism that resonated with his students.
This latter work led to a famous exchange with Albert Einstein. In a letter dated January 3, 1954, Einstein expressed his disagreement with Gutkind's views, stating that the word "God" was a product of human weakness and that the Jewish religion, like all others, was an incarnation of "childish superstition." This letter has since become a high-value collector's item, selling for millions of dollars at various auctions.
Summary of Major Publications
| Title | Year | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Siderische Geburt | 1910 | Pacifist-mystical manifesto; published under pseudonym Volker. |
| The Absolute Collective | 1937 | Philosophical attempt to overcome the "broken state" of humanity. |
| Choose Life: The Biblical Call To Revolt | 1952 | Reinterpretation of traditional Judaism as a call to action. |
| The Body of God | 1969 | Posthumous collection of papers focusing on anti-theology. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Eric Gutkind?
Eric Gutkind was a German Jewish philosopher and educator who integrated elements of Gnosticism and Kabbala into his work. He was a key figure in European pacifist-mystical circles before moving to the United States to teach in New York.
What was the significance of the book "Siderische Geburt"?
Published in 1910 under the name Volker, this book served as a focal point for a circle of European intellectuals and later became the philosophical manifesto for the New Europe Groups in London during the 1920s.
How did Albert Einstein respond to Gutkind's work?
Einstein responded to Gutkind's book Choose Life with a letter in 1954, in which he dismissed the concept of God as a product of human weakness and viewed religion as a form of superstition.
What is "anti-theology" in the context of Gutkind's work?
Anti-theology is explored in his posthumous collection, The Body of God, representing a philosophical departure from traditional theological structures toward a different understanding of the divine or the absolute.
Which famous intellectuals were associated with Gutkind?
Gutkind was connected to a wide array of thinkers, including Martin Buber, Walter Benjamin, Wassily Kandinsky, and Rabindranath Tagore, as well as the Yugoslavian teacher Dimitrije Mitrinović.