Genius Anxiety: How Jews Changed the World, 1847-1947

Genius & Anxiety: How Jews Changed the World, 1847-1947

by Norman Lebrecht

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10574 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	457 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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In the century from 1847 to 1947, Jewish thinkers, scientists, artists, and activists played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world. They made major breakthroughs in fields such as physics, mathematics, literature, and music. They also played a key role in the development of modern political and economic thought.

This article explores the contributions of some of these groundbreaking figures and their impact on the world.

Science

In the 19th century, Jewish scientists made major breakthroughs in physics, mathematics, and chemistry. Albert Einstein's theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time. Henri Poincaré made important contributions to the fields of mathematics and physics. Marie Curie discovered radium and polonium, and was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.

In the 20th century, Jewish scientists continued to make significant contributions to science. Lise Meitner discovered nuclear fission, which led to the development of the atomic bomb. James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA, which laid the foundation for modern molecular biology.

Art

Jewish artists have made major contributions to the world of art. In the 19th century, Camille Pissarro was a leading figure in the Impressionist movement. Marc Chagall was a prominent artist in the early 20th century, and his work is known for its fantastical elements. Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter who is known for her self-portraits and her exploration of Mexican culture.

In the 20th century, Jewish artists continued to make significant contributions to the world of art. Jackson Pollock was a leading figure in the abstract expressionist movement. Andy Warhol was a pioneer of pop art. Louise Bourgeois was a sculptor who is known for her work on themes of trauma and loss.

Literature

Jewish writers have made major contributions to the world of literature. In the 19th century, Heinrich Heine was a leading figure in the Romantic movement. Franz Kafka was a 20th-century writer who is known for his existentialist themes. Isaac Bashevis Singer was a Polish-American writer who is known for his stories about Jewish life in Eastern Europe.

In the 20th century, Jewish writers continued to make significant contributions to the world of literature. Saul Bellow was an American writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Elie Wiesel was a Romanian-American writer who survived the Holocaust and wrote extensively about his experiences.

Music

Jewish musicians have made major contributions to the world of music. In the 19th century, Gustav Mahler was a leading composer of the Romantic era. Arnold Schoenberg was a pioneer of the atonal music movement. Leonard Bernstein was an American composer and conductor who is known for his work on Broadway and in the classical music world.

In the 20th century, Jewish musicians continued to make significant contributions to the world of music. Bob Dylan is a singer-songwriter who is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Paul Simon is a singer-songwriter who is known for his work with the duo Simon and Garfunkel.

Politics

Jewish thinkers and activists have played a major role in the development of modern political and economic thought. Karl Marx was a German philosopher who is considered the father of communism. Rosa Luxemburg was a Polish-German socialist and feminist. Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist who developed the theory of psychoanalysis.

In the 20th century, Jewish thinkers and activists continued to play a major role in the development of modern political and economic thought. Hannah Arendt was a German-American philosopher who is known for her work on totalitarianism. Milton Friedman was an American economist who is considered the father of monetarism.

The contributions of Jewish thinkers, scientists, artists, and activists to the modern world are immeasurable. They have made major breakthroughs in science, art, literature, music, politics, and economics. Their work has shaped the world we live in today.

We should be grateful for the contributions of these brilliant minds and continue to learn from their work. Their legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come.

Image credits:

• Albert Einstein by Yousuf Karsh, public domain
• Henri Poincaré by Bain News Service, public domain
• Marie Curie by Pierre Curie, public domain
• Camille Pissarro by Edgar Degas, public domain
• Marc Chagall by Marc Chagall, public domain
• Frida Kahlo by Frida Kahlo, public domain
• Jackson Pollock by Hans Namuth, public domain
• Andy Warhol by David McCabe, public domain
• Louise Bourgeois by Georges Biard, public domain
• Heinrich Heine by Moritz Daniel Oppenheim, public domain
• Franz Kafka by Dora Kallmus, public domain
• Isaac Bashevis Singer by Barbara Alper, public domain
• Saul Bellow by David Hume Kennerly, public domain

Genius & Anxiety: How Jews Changed the World, 1847-1947

by Norman Lebrecht

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10574 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	457 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE