The Genius of Paul Johnson: Remembering a Peerless Historian

The second Age of Johnson has ended.

— The Author

The death of British historian Paul Johnson (1928-2023) marks the end of what some refer to as the second Age of Johnson. The first Age of Johnson honors 18th-century polymath Samuel Johnson, whose influence was primarily Europe-bound. Paul Johnson, however, left behind a legacy that spans an interconnected, global world, much like his extensive body of work.

Paul Johnson’s Monumental Contribution to History

Johnson was a prolific historian and commentator on modernity and its ancient roots. His reviews and writings illuminate the profound shifts in societal values and the far-reaching impact of key figures. The opening of his book, Modern Times, sets the stage by examining the revolutionary ideas of Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin, which reshaped traditional conventions.

Johnson argues that while Einstein’s theory of relativity was about physics, it was Darwin’s influence on modern thought that truly dismantled established moral frameworks. He groups influential modernists such as Igor Stravinsky, Henri Matisse, James Joyce, and Sigmund Freud together, illustrating a cultural shift that eroded the West’s long-held sense of personal responsibility.

The Impact of ‘Modern Times’

In Modern Times, Johnson explores how the writings of Marcel Proust exemplify this new era of disjointed time and rediscovered sexual emotions. This fragmentation, according to Johnson, is a fundamental shift away from the traditional values that guided Western civilization for millennia.

Another notable work was Intellectuals: From Marx and Tolstoy to Sartre and Chomsky, which Johnson wrote in the 1980s. This book critically examines influential thinkers who often contradicted their own moral standards, particularly through their personal actions. Johnson contrasts intellectuals with religious leaders, noting how the latter’s roles were diminished as the former gained prominence.

Examining the Intellectuals

Johnson’s critique of intellectuals challenges the notion that they are purely benevolent and enlightened. He meticulously examines figures like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Karl Marx, and Bertrand Russell, highlighting their inconsistencies and dubious ethical standards. Rousseau, for instance, advocated for a return to a mythical natural state while leading a life marked by infidelity and neglect of his children.

The book is controversial but compellingly argued. Johnson contends that great intellectual works often spring from the authors’ personalities, implying an inseparable link between their personal conduct and their larger philosophical contributions.

The History of the Jews

Johnson’s A History of the Jews offers a unique perspective on historical figures, focusing on their personal characteristics to illustrate broader historical trends. He celebrates the biblical historians’ ability to capture complex personalities and religious narratives with remarkable precision. Johnson emphasizes the enduring importance of the Bible, which he sees as a foundational text that guided Jewish thought and action.

Johnson also explores the consequences of Jewish philosophical innovations, such as Maimonides’ rationalism and Spinoza’s deconstruction of biblical authenticity. He argues that while these thinkers made significant contributions to Jewish intellectual tradition, they also posed challenges to traditional interpretations of the faith.

The Significance of Jewish Achievements

One of Johnson’s most compelling arguments is the disproportionate success of Jews in various fields, particularly in science, literature, and the arts. Jews make up only 0.2 percent of the world’s population but have won 20 percent of Nobel Prizes. Their influence extends to cinema, where figures like Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles, and Woody Allen have shaped popular culture.

Johnson credits this success to a combination of historical experiences, intellectual traditions, and a drive for excellence that has characterized Jewish thinkers and artists for centuries.

The Birth of the Modern World

The Birth of the Modern: World Society 1815-1830 examines the period following Napoleon’s defeat in 1815. Johnson focuses on the complex interplay between politics, science, technology, and culture, highlighting the transformative impact of these developments on European society.

Johnson pays particular attention to key political figures like Klemens von Metternich and Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, who navigated the political landscape with a combination of cunning and charisma. He also discusses the Romantic movement, which reflected a longing for nature and an idealized past, providing a counterbalance to the rapid changes brought about by industrialization.

Addressing Colonialism

A significant portion of The Birth of the Modern is dedicated to the topic of colonialism. Against the backdrop of Western colonial expansion, Johnson argues that colonialism, while controversial, often brought improvements in infrastructure, governance, and public health to previously underdeveloped regions. He acknowledges the suffering and oppression inherent in colonialism, but also its role in creating the foundations for modern nation-states.

Johnson challenges the portrayal of colonialism as a wholly negative force, suggesting that its impact was complex and multifaceted. He defends the efforts of colonial administrators who sought to promote economic development and cultural exchange, arguing that these efforts, while flawed, were not necessarily devoid of merit.

Themes and Legacy

Throughout his career, Johnson emphasized several recurring themes. He championed the idea of personal freedom, arguing that individuals from humble backgrounds could rise to great heights, reflecting his deep appreciation for the resilience and potential of human beings.

Johnson’s religious beliefs, particularly his Catholicism, are evident in his works like The Quest for God and Jesus: A Biography from a Believer. He explored the spiritual dimensions of human existence, blending historical analysis with personal reflection in these deeply personal works.

Johnson and Darwin

Johnson’s final book, Darwin: Portrait of a Genius, proved to be one of his more controversial works. While he acknowledged Darwin’s contributions to evolutionary theory, he remained critical of what he perceived as the excessive enthusiasm of “Darwin fundamentalists.” Johnson argued that Darwin’s ideas, while significant, were not without their flaws and should be viewed with a healthy skepticism.

Johnson saw Darwinism as a response to the growing demand for a naturalistic explanation of life’s origins, which he believed had been fueled by a broader cultural shift away from traditional religious beliefs.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Virtuosity and Genius

Paul Johnson’s legacy is one of immense scholarly achievement and enduring influence. His prolific output, including the monumental works Modern Times, Intellectuals, A History of the Jews, and The Birth of the Modern, reflects his deep understanding of history and his ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and precision.

Johnson’s writing style is characterized by a blend of erudition and wit, making him stand out even among his contemporaries. His work continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike, providing a unique perspective on the forces that shape human civilization.

As we remember Paul Johnson, we are reminded of the importance of rigorous historical inquiry and the power of articulating ideas in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and accessible to a broad audience.

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