"In times like these, we can be glad that there was a Thomas Mann,
who upheld the German spirit on behalf of many
against all the filth and dirt and drunkenness."
With the original text of Thomas Mann's radio broadcast,
read by Sandra Hüller.
- Thomas Mann's Radio Address from November 8, 1945
00:00 Min.
Historical classification
01:42 Min.
Beginning of the speech, read by Sandra Hüller
07:58 Min.
Introduction to Navid Kermani
08:35 Min.
Commentary by Navid Kermani
About Navid Kermani
Navid Kermani is a writer, reporter, author, and orientalist whose fiction and non-fiction writings engage with border experiences, religion, and culture. He is recipient of the 2015 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.
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.