Innsbruck, [Beginning of June], 1974
A Uniform Global Civilization
Starting from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and after seven hours landing at the new, super modern Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, one cannot see much of a difference. Charles de Gaulle Airport is similar to the JFK in design and layout, only its widely branching out system of escalators and conveyers surpasses the latter. At airports around the world, a supranational global civilization is emerging, which follows the American model. It is characterized by a cosmopolitan lifestyle and comfort. This highly uniform lifestyle of the “jet set” can be found everywhere. A high standard of service is available to travelers in the same hotel chains at most international airports. Signs of a growing uniform global civilization can also be seen in the great museums, in concert halls and opera houses in the metropolitan centers around the world. The same world-famous soloists and singers can be heard in London, Milan, Vienna, Berlin, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Sidney. At universities more and more professors and students are participating in international exchange programs. Similar cityscapes of glass and concrete are arising everywhere. Equally tired motorists are resting at service areas on the super highways. Just as everywhere the same car models are on the road. Shopping malls and supermarkets, either in America or in Europe, offer consumers more and more the same brand name merchandise. The modern world is unstoppably moving in the direction of a global civilization, which, following the Western model, is ever more so becoming uniform. Soon, there will be little space left for individual and indigenous expression.
Innsbruck, [Middle of June], 1974
The Differences
Nonetheless, despite the many similarities on the surface in everyday life in big cities and international travel, there are still big differences between America and Europe. These come to light as soon as one gets acquainted with the way of living and thinking of the local people. Especially conspicuous is the lack of loosening up and a widespread grouchiness as well as the resignation and indifference toward the future, which people display here. But the magnificent landscape and the cultivated feeling for beauty reward for what is otherwise missing
Innsbruck, June 20, 1974
Polarization
European society always threatens to fall apart at the threadbare seam between the extreme right and the extreme left. This polarization affects nearly all spheres of life: politics, education, religion. While the official church still indulges in baroque splendor, liberal theologians entrusted with the education of the young carry out experiments with the youth in their care that parents have their hair stand on end.
Innsbruck, [June 22], 1974
The Reform Rage
The need to catch up on democracy unleashed a reform rage in Austria and in the Federal Republic of Germany. There is nothing not deemed in need of reform and where the right of say is demanded. This goes from the elementary school up to the university or from the labor union to the management of a company. It applies to the administration of the law, to health care and the medical staff, as well as to the military service, the welfare assistance to foreigners, nursing homes, the Kindergarten and social security, let alone the political parties. Everything should be reformed. But this demand for reform looks very confusing. The reform proposals go head over heels. They are so numerous that they offset each other. In the end rarely anything new is happening.
Munich, [June 25], 1974
Pedestrian Zone
The inner city of Munich has gained a great deal by the pedestrian zone. Here a way is shown how the historic center of an old city can be redeveloped, preserved and made useful for visitors. Perhaps this way, a good many historic inner cities, which have already been written off as lost, can be saved. A quick stroll through Munich’s department stores gives evidence of the high living standard and industrial potential of the Federal Republic. What one sees here, hardly differs anymore from an American department store. The abundance and similarity of the merchandise is simply striking.
Innsbruck, June 26, 1974
NATO’s Continued Existence Secured
After 25 years the North Atlantic Treaty Organization could have either shrunk or dissolved had it not been for the strong will to secure its continued existence. Under the leadership of President Nixon, the 15 NATO countries signed a new declaration in Brussels. Therein, it was stated that the defense of the member countries is indivisible and that America and Europe remain dependent on each other. Just as clearly, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, and Great Britain voiced their opinion that the presence of American troops is vital for the security of Western Europe.
Note
[According to Article 13 of the NATO agreement of April 4, 1949, each member state had after 20 years the choice to give notice of its resignation. None of the 15 NATO countries resigned. France withdrew from the integrated military structure in 1966, but remained a member of NATO. But the headquarters of NATO was transferred from Paris to Brussels. In 1974 the following 15 countries belonged to NATO: Belgium, Canada, the Federal Republic of Germany, Denmark, France, Greece, Great Britain, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Turkey, and the United States of America. Greece and Turkey joined NATO in1952, the Federal Republic of Germany in 1955.]
Innsbruck, June 28, 1974
The Beginning of the End
Sixty years ago today, the Austrian successor to the throne and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo. That was not just the beginning of the end of the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy, but altogether of the Old Europe, of its position of power in the world, its order of peace, and form of life, as it had existed for centuries. Looking back, one could share with Stefan Zweig the feeling, as if the “World of Yesterday” would lie removed way back in the distant past that has long vanished from our sight. But in reality, the assassination in Sarajevo occurred not so far back. There are still enough people alive who remember the events of June 28, 1914. From that day on, Europe has not come to rest anymore. And it is still today fleeing from itself.
Innsbruck, June 29, 1974
The Brera is Being Closed
The Brera in Milan, one of the foremost Art Galleries in Europe, had to close its doors because it had not been possible anymore to pay for the superintending staff and to renovate the dilapidated rooms.
Innsbruck, [June 30], 1974
Unreal
When, after the emigration, one returns to one’s home country, the living condition appear to a large extent unreal and blurred. One can just barely share the joys and worries even of people one is closely connected with. The process of alienation is inevitably and irreversibly progressing. An inner distance has developed so that one talks at cross-purposes and actually has nothing of importance to say to each other anymore.