John Ralston Saul

Error creating thumbnail:

Order of Canada (CC) ribbon bar

Error creating thumbnail:

Order of St John (UK) ribbon -vector

Order Ontario ribbon bar

UK Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal ribbon

QEII Diamond Jubilee Medal ribbon

John Ralston Saul is a Canadian author, essayist, and philosopher. Born on June 19, 1947, in Ottawa, Ontario, Saul is best known for his commentary on the nature of individualism, citizenship, and the public good. His works critically examine the role of freedom, democracy, and globalism in contemporary society. Saul's approach to philosophy and criticism is deeply influenced by his belief in the power of individual thought and moral responsibility within the framework of society.

Early Life and Education

John Ralston Saul was born into a military family, which contributed to a peripatetic childhood that exposed him to various cultures and languages. This early exposure to diverse perspectives would later inform his philosophical and literary work. Saul pursued his higher education at McGill University in Montreal, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1969. He furthered his studies overseas, obtaining a Ph.D. in Political Economy from King's College, University of London. His doctoral thesis explored the modernization of France under Charles de Gaulle and its implications for political and economic policy.

Career

Saul's career spans several decades and includes roles as an author, essayist, and public speaker. He has written extensively on philosophy, economics, and culture. His notable works include Voltaire's Bastards: The Dictatorship of Reason in the West, The Unconscious Civilization, and The Collapse of Globalism and the Reinvention of the World. These publications have garnered attention for their critical examination of Western philosophical and political thought and their impact on modern society.

In The Unconscious Civilization, Saul argues that contemporary society has become dominated by a corporatist ideology that undermines the principles of individualism and democracy. He advocates for a return to a more balanced approach that values the role of the citizen and the intellectual in shaping public policy and discourse.

Philosophical and Literary Contributions

Saul's work is characterized by a deep engagement with the philosophical underpinnings of society and governance. He is a proponent of what he terms "positive individualism", a concept that emphasizes the importance of individual action and moral responsibility in the collective space of society. His writings challenge the dominance of economic rationalism and technocratic governance, calling for a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to public life.

Public Life and Recognition

Beyond his literary and philosophical pursuits, John Ralston Saul has played a significant role in public life in Canada and internationally. He served as the President of PEN International, an organization dedicated to promoting literature and freedom of expression, from 2009 to 2015. In this capacity, Saul worked to advocate for writers facing persecution and to foster a global dialogue on the importance of literary culture and free speech.

Saul has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to literature, philosophy, and public discourse. These accolades reflect his impact on both the intellectual landscape and the broader conversation about democracy, individualism, and the common good.

Personal Life

John Ralston Saul is married to Adrienne Clarkson, the 26th Governor General of Canada. Their partnership has been marked by a shared commitment to public service and intellectual engagement. Saul's personal experiences and observations have deeply influenced his writing and philosophical outlook, making his work both personal and universally relevant.

Legacy and Influence

John Ralston Saul's contributions to philosophy, literature, and public discourse have established him as a significant figure in contemporary thought. His critique of modern society's drift towards corporatism and away from the values of individualism and democracy continues to resonate with readers and thinkers around the world. Saul's work encourages a reevaluation of our collective priorities and the role of the individual in shaping a more equitable and thoughtful world.