Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 1.11.2025
Professor David Peimer
Einstein Said: “Nationalism Is the Measles of Mankind; an Infantile Disease.” Was He Right?
Saturday 1.11.2025
How to watch
This lecture starts on 1 November at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
In our increasingly dangerous times, we ask: Was Einstein right or naïve? He also said: “I am against nationalism even in the guise of patriotism. Both are based on personality cult.” Nationalism praises loyalty to a nation, a shared culture, history, and group interests above individual needs. It is a unifying force, and proudly creates a collective identity. It has also driven revolutions—the French and American Revolutions—and independence struggles in India and Africa. But, it also leads to exclusion, conflict, and conquest. Join us in this fascinating debate on the question of our times.
Professor David Peimer
David Peimer is a Professor of Literature, Film and Theatre in the UK. He has worked for the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, New York University (Global Division) and was a Fulbright Scholar at Columbia University. Born in South Africa, David has won numerous awards for playwriting and directing. He has most recently directed Dame Janet Suzman in his own play, Joanna’s Story, at London Jewish Book Week. He has published numerous books, including Armed Response: Plays from South Africa and the digital book Theatre in the Camps. He is on the board of the Pinter Centre (London), and has been involved with the Mandela Foundation, Vaclav Havel Foundation and directed a range of plays at Mr Havel’s Prague theatre.