Andres Neuman - Traveller of the Century

Rudi decided to take advantage of the thoughtful silence that had descended on the room in order to make his move. He may have held few cards in that game, but those he had were of great value. And so he played his hand. His aim was not to offer his point of view, but to sweep away with a single gesture any possible interest in those of the others. And he knew a great deal more about gestures than anyone there — he had been trained in them. Rudi took advantage of the pause, which was beginning to undermine the intensity of the debate, in order to bring forward his usual brief meeting with Herr Gottlieb in the study. He slowly rose to his feet, waiting until he had attained his full height before tugging on his waistcoat and declaring in his best speaking voice: Politics, politics! Frankly I hardly find these discussions thrilling. They are at risk, how shall I put it, of becoming tedious, and in the end predictable. Do our happiness or our aspirations depend on the opinions of a chancellor or the proposals of a minister? Well, be that as it may, dear ladies, distinguished gentlemen, I must leave you in order to attend to some affairs. As always, it has been a pleasurable and most interesting evening. Herr Gottlieb, before I leave, when you are ready …

Herr Gottlieb hurriedly raised his whiskers, took Rudi’s arm and asked if he would accompany him to his study for a brandy. Hans watched them turn to leave together and could think of no brilliant rejoinder or witty remark. And, perhaps for the first time, it occurred to him that Rudi Wilderhaus was cleverer than he had thought. He had the urge to go out onto the balcony or lock himself in the bathroom. But then Álvaro came to his rescue.

Rudi had just turned his back on them. Álvaro uncrossed his leg, and, clearing his throat, called out: Herr Wilderhaus, pardon me, Herr Wilderhaus. Rudi wheeled round and gazed at him absent-mindedly. Pardon me, Herr Wilderhaus, Álvaro said again, smiling, how most impolite of us not to respond to an interesting point you made. You asked whether people’s happiness or aspirations could depend on the decisions of politicians who happen to be in power. Allow me to give what you may think a predictable answer — yes, they can, if one does not own a thousand hectares of land.

When Herr Gottlieb returned to the drawing room and sat down to fill his pipe, Professor Mietter was discussing public displays of religion with Hans. The professor agreed that the restoration had brought about an excess of public religiosity, but in his view this needed to be addressed by a return to the critical roots of the Reformation. Hans maintained that Europe had missed a remarkable opportunity to give secular education a boost. (As he pronounced the word secular , Hans glanced at Herr Gottlieb and shrugged beatifically as though he had said the word spiritual . Sophie turned away stifling a laugh — this man was imitating her wiles.) I am hardly surprised, Professor Mietter said, bearing in mind Bonaparte’s repression of religion. When my parents were young, there were a good many Protestants, who had their own place of worship, the Alta church, here in Wandernburg. The church stopped offering services when the Lutherans fled Wandernburg because of the prince’s fanaticism. The same thing happened here as in Munich; people were up in arms if a Protestant bell rang on Good Friday. Professor, Herr Gottlieb said, forgive me, but you know that at other times the opposite was true. God knows I regret what happened to your good parents, but let us not forget we Catholics have also endured persecution. Ahem, Herr Levin broke in, on the subject of persecution, it must be said that the children of Moses … Gentlemen, Sophie smiled, giving Hans a sidelong glance, let us all agree we have persecuted one another equally and leave it at that. Will no one try a cake?

The festivals in Wandernburg today, Professor Mietter said swallowing a morsel of cake, masquerade as religious but in fact they are profane. They are a feast for the senses and, if I may say so, encourage wanton behaviour. Faith ends with such festivals and carnival begins. Professor, said Hans, wouldn’t you agree that true faith has never been exactly widespread? Perhaps some princes have a real interest in Lutheranism. But I don’t suppose they’d be against appropriating the Church’s lands either. You are incapable, said Professor Mietter, of seeing beyond the most naive materialism. Luther laid bare his times. He made the Vatican look like fools. He uncovered their lies. He held a mirror up to their faces. That is why they declared him an apostate and excommunicated him. These are real events. My dear Professor, said Herr Levin, far be it from me to defend Roman Catholic dogma, which, as you know, is not my passion in life. But let us accept that this was no simple rebellion, and that notwithstanding the Church’s abuses, the Reformation was, ahem, excellent business for the northern princes. Remember that Luther himself advised them to wipe out the peasants who had rebelled in allegiance with his ideas. These are also real events. You interpret them, said Professor Mietter, from a very personal point of view. As we all do, said Hans. Isn’t that what you call libre examen ?

Frau Pietzine was following the conversation with increasing unease, as though each argument were endangering her own convictions. She thought of her adored father confessor, clutched her necklace and said: Professor, why don’t you discuss these matters with Father Pigherzog? He is an erudite man, like yourself, a sensitive man who would do anything for his parishioners. Although you follow different doctrines, I am sure you would find it interesting. (That man, dear lady, said the professor, is a bureaucrat, a seller of indulgences.) Don’t be unjust towards Father Pigherzog! He is a true comfort and a guide to many of his parishioners. I agree, Herr Gottlieb nodded, speaking of which, my child, how long is it since you confessed? (Oh Father, sighed Sophie, as if I had the time!) Well, one of these Sundays. (Remember our agreement, she said, I go to Mass with you on Sundays and you stop insisting.) I know, my child, but just for once, occasionally, it wouldn’t … (Oh Father! said Sophie brightly. Your pipe is blocked, shall I fetch you some fresh tobacco?)

Staring down at his whiskers, which appeared to be giving off smoke, Herr Gottlieb murmured: Bertold, tobacco.

Hans became absorbed for a while watching Sophie’s restless hands and waiting for her lips to purse slightly when she made a comment. Hearing Herr Levin mention Kant, he turned his attention back to the conversation and waited his turn to speak. On the subject of religion, Hans said with a shrug, I simply follow Kant’s example. I doubt I shall ever understand the mysteries of the divine, and in the meantime there are many more unresolved matters here on earth. (Once again, Herr Hans, said Professor Mietter disapprovingly, you reduce human knowledge to the empirical, you are incapable of abstract thought, you haven’t gone beyond Hume.) On the contrary, Professor, on the contrary, I would say I expand it, empirical thought seems to me infinite! And I believe when little old reason ceases to bow to a superior power, it comes up against the biggest unknown of all — how to understand the world without any help from the divine, is this what you mean by limiting knowledge? (And I say to you, replied Professor Mietter, that if we dispense with the divine, our reason is left empty-handed.) That depends, I didn’t say I was opposed to any form of divinity. For me divinity is our two feet on the ground, don’t you see? (An interesting thought, ventured Herr Levin, but what of the higher emotions? Do we not explore the world through them? To what realm does a heartfelt prayer or a Bach cantata belong? Do Bach’s cantatas have their feet on the ground, or …)