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Something Understood

Religion & Ethics

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life, taking a spiritual theme and exploring it through music, prose and poetry

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Something Understood: Independence

Immortality

08/07/2018

Independence

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, Independence

Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand argues that a quest for independence is harder than it seems.

In an age of increasingly divisive politics and campaigns for independence, Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand makes the case for interdependence, which ultimately brings us together.

In an age of increasingly divisive politics, Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand argues that a quest for independence is harder than it seems. Reading the story of the Israelites, Shoshana discovers that it took 40 years of wandering through the desert before it dawned on them that independence does not mean being on your own.

Seeking independence is not just confined to nation states - it exists throughout one's life, particularly during childhood. Drawing upon the memory of a childhood piano recital, Shoshana stresses the importance of learning to stand on our own two feet before we can freely choose to connect with others. It was a challenge that pianist Paul Wittgenstein was forced to face after losing his right arm in the First World War. His success in achieving independence through the mastery of his affliction gifted the world the exquisite "Piano Concerto for the Left Hand".

While the idea of being fully independent may seem alluring, Shoshana studies the meditations of John Donne and argues that his famous proclamation that "no man is an island" speaks louder today than ever. Listening to the very familiar melody of America's unofficial national anthem 'My Country 'Tis Of Thee', Shoshana turns to the complex relationship between her country of birth and its former ruler Britain. Breaking apart may cause an initial shock, but Shoshana emphasises it is the interdependence between our two countries that defines our relationship today. 

Quoting psychologist Eric Erikson, Shoshana concludes that "life doesn't make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all."

Presenter: Shoshana Boyd Gelfand
Producer: Thomas Glasser
A TBI production for BBC Radio 4.

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