"It's not 1940. We're not in a world war,
but the political tensions, the rise of fascism,
the disillusionment with democracy that we see today,
there are parallels, of course."
With the original text of Thomas Mann's radio broadcast,
read by Sandra Hüller.
- Thomas Mann's Radio Address from January 14, 1945
00:00 Min.
Historical classification
00:43 Min.
Beginning of the speech, read by Sandra Hüller
06:10 Min.
Introduction to Michel Friedman
06:50 Min.
Commentary by Michel Friedman
About Michel Friedman
Michel Friedman is a German-French author, lawyer, and philosopher, former vice president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, and a well-known host of several political talk shows.
About the Project
“Hell, Germans, has come upon you.” Thomas Mann’s message in his radio addresses to the German people—recorded by himself and broadcast by the BBC between 1940 and 1945—was always clear, unyielding, and uncompromising. So too was his mission: the total of 58 addresses constitute a unique document of resistance against the National Socialist regime of terror and a resolute plea for humanism and democratic renewal. They were also a failed wake-up call to a country that had surrendered itself to delusion and to complete destruction.
On the occasion of Thomas Mann’s 150th birthday, the BBC radio addresses were newly recorded by actress Sandra Hüller. Thirteen outstanding contemporary voices from politics, academia, and culture comment on them, enter into dialogue with Mann’s texts, and discuss their relevance today.