John Ralston Saul: A Legacy of Literature, Humanism, and Canadian Identity
John Ralston Saul is a multifaceted intellectual whose career spans diplomacy, corporate leadership, and a prolific body of literary work. From his early academic pursuits in France to his leadership of global advocacy organizations, Saul has dedicated his life to examining the intersection of power, reason, and the human spirit. His work often challenges the prevailing norms of modern governance and celebrates the complex, pluralistic nature of identity.
Saul's journey began with a transition from the foreign service to academia. After the death of his father in 1968, he pursued a PhD at King's College London, focusing on the modernization of France under Charles de Gaulle. This academic foundation led him to France, where he balanced research on civil-military relations with the creation of his first novel, Mort d'un général, while managing a British investment company's French subsidiary.
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Key Facts
- International Leadership: Served as the International President of PEN International from 2009 to 2015.
- Academic Background: Earned a PhD from King's College London in 1972.
- Civic Contribution: Co-founder and co-chair of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC).
- Literary Accolades: Won the 1996 Governor General's Award for Non-Fiction Literature for The Unconscious Civilization.
- Viceregal Role: Served as Canada's viceregal consort from 1999 to 2006 during the tenure of Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.
Advocacy for Freedom of Expression
A significant portion of Saul's career has been dedicated to PEN International, a worldwide association of writers. His interest in the organization grew from his time spent with guerrilla armies in North Africa and Southeast Asia, where he witnessed the suppression of writers by various governments.
As the first Canadian to serve as International President of PEN (2009–2015), Saul championed the protection of endangered languages and cultures. He argued that the loss of a language represents the ultimate removal of freedom of expression. His leadership emphasized the decentralization of the organization, which spans 144 centres across 102 countries, and he frequently testified before bodies such as the European Parliament Human Rights Commission regarding the erosion of free speech.
Defining the Canadian Identity
Saul has written extensively on the unique socio-political fabric of Canada. In Reflections of a Siamese Twin (1998), he introduced the concept of Canada as a "soft" country—not in terms of weakness, but as a nation with a flexible, complex identity. He describes a "triangular reality" composed of First Peoples, francophones, and anglophones, noting that the Canadian experience is defined by a willingness to compromise rather than open confrontation.
In A Fair Country (2008), Saul further explored these themes, arguing that Canada was shaped by Aboriginal ideas and the experiences of early immigrants. He also critiqued the shift in the Canadian Constitution from "peace, welfare, and good government" to "peace, order, and good government," suggesting that the emphasis on "order" deviates from the nation's true origins.
The "Comeback" of Aboriginal Influence
In his 2014 work, The Comeback, Saul highlights the resilience and growing influence of Aboriginal peoples. He challenges the historical narrative of decline, asserting that despite systemic cultural oppression, Aboriginal populations are reclaiming power and achieving a state of "civilizational creativity" within Canadian society.
Philosophical Works and Humanism
Saul's non-fiction often critiques the "dictatorship of reason"—the idea that raw rationality, when unbalanced by ethics or intuition, can be used to justify power for power's sake. This theme is central to his philosophical quartet, which includes Voltaire's Bastards, The Doubter's Companion, The Unconscious Civilization, and On Equilibrium.
He proposes a new humanism where reason is balanced by five other essential human qualities: common sense, ethics, imagination, intuition, and memory. Saul argues that the rise of extreme individualism has led to alienation, and he advocates for a return to a society that values the common good and practical democracy.
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Summary of Major Works
| Title | Year | Genre | Key Theme/Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Birds of Prey | 1977 | Fiction | Gaullist France |
| The Field Trilogy | 1983-1988 | Fiction | Modern power vs. the individual |
| Voltaire's Bastards | 1992 | Non-Fiction | The dictatorship of reason |
| The Unconscious Civilization | 1995 | Non-Fiction | Humanism and societal alienation |
| Reflections of a Siamese Twin | 1998 | Non-Fiction | Canadian national identity |
| On Equilibrium | 2001 | Non-Fiction | Six qualities of humanism |
| The Collapse of Globalism | 2005 | Non-Fiction | Rise of nationalism over globalism |
| A Fair Country | 2008 | Non-Fiction | Canadian history and Métis civilization |
| The Comeback | 2014 | Non-Fiction | Aboriginal reclamation of power |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "dictatorship of reason" according to Saul?
It is the concept that reason, when stripped of ethics, intuition, and common sense, becomes a tool for those in power to justify their actions and maintain control, often leading to the promotion of ideology as absolute truth.
How does Saul describe Canada's national identity?
He describes it as a "triangular reality" consisting of First Peoples, francophones, and anglophones. He views Canada as a "soft" country, meaning it possesses a flexible and complex identity based on compromise.
What was Saul's primary goal as President of PEN International?
Saul focused on protecting endangered languages and cultures, arguing that the loss of a language is the ultimate form of suppressing freedom of expression. He also sought to decentralize the organization's global operations.
What is the purpose of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship?
Founded by Saul and Adrienne Clarkson, the ICC is a non-profit charity designed to help new citizens integrate into Canadian life and encourage all citizens to embrace active citizenship.
Which of Saul's works won the Governor General's Award?
His book The Unconscious Civilization won the 1996 Governor General's Award for Non-Fiction Literature.