Summary of the Core Content
This article recounts the life of Berthold Laufer, a German-American Jewish scholar. Due to his marginal identity—Jewish heritage combined with a German cultural affiliation yet facing antisemitism—he turned to the study of Eastern cultures and developed a deep affinity for Chinese civilization, based on solid academic research rather than romantic notions. Laufer was a polymathic and prolific scholar who made significant contributions to the field of Dunhuang studies. However, as disciplines became more specialized, his approach became increasingly outdated. In 1934, amidst Nazi persecution of Jews and China's plunge into war, he chose to commit suicide. His tragic end symbolizes the end of an era in which broad knowledge could transcend cultural boundaries, while also leaving us with the lesson that those without a fixed identity may possess the widest spiritual home.
I. Marginal Identity: Being “Half-Alien” in Germany Led to a Unique Academic Perspective
Laufer was born into a Jewish family in Cologne, Germany, and although his family was wealthy and well-educated, the rise of antisemitism in the late 19th century made him feel like an outsider. This sense of marginality became an advantage; he was familiar with European culture yet free from the bias of Eurocentrism, avoiding the notion that European civilization was superior. His mentor, Franz Boas (the father of American anthropology), was also a German Jew who, influenced by antisemitic experiences, opposed racial determinism and advocated cultural relativism—the idea that all cultures have their own value. Laufer inherited this perspective, remaining skeptical of any culture's supposed superiority.
II. Deep Affinity for Chinese Culture: Not Out of Curiosity, but Based on Real Understanding
Laufer said he would have preferred to be Chinese, not because he found Chinese culture mysterious or romantic, but based on thorough research. He studied original Chinese texts and conducted fieldwork; he was also one of the founders of Dunhuang studies, which focuses on the artifacts from the ancient city of Dunhuang. He believed that Chinese culture, particularly in its emphasis on practical ethics, was superior to European traditions. His understanding was not superficial but rooted in the core values of the civilization.
III. A Polymathic Scholar: Versatile and Productive, Yet a “Remnant” of an Outdated Era
Modern scholars often specialize in a narrow field (e.g., only studying Tang dynasty porcelain), but Laufer was a true polymath. He spoke Tibetan and Chinese and researched subjects such as jade and the history of the potato's spread. He authored 10–20 books per year, an astonishing pace by today’s standards. However, his interdisciplinary approach was outdated; as disciplines became more specialized, his breadth of knowledge was seen as inappropriate. It is worth noting that the artifacts he collected were acquired during the colonial period, which raises questions about their authenticity.
IV. A Tragic End: The Despair of Two Civilizations Collapsing
Laufer’s suicide in 1934 was fueled by dual tragedies: Nazi persecution of Jews and the invasion of China by Japan, which destroyed the cultural foundations he cherished. He felt like a person without a home. His death was not just a personal tragedy but also a symbol of an era coming to an end—one in which knowledge could transcend national and cultural boundaries.
V. The Legacy of Laufer: Those Without a Home Possess the Broadest Spirituality
Laufer felt more at ease as a Chinese, yet he was neither entirely European nor truly Chinese. This sense of belonginglessness gave him freedom to explore different civilizations and use one culture’s perspective to understand another (e.g., using Chinese ethics to critique European individualism). In today’s world, where we often work within narrow cultural and disciplinary frameworks, Laufer’s story reminds us that profound understanding often comes from those who are not bound by them. His legacy teaches us that true knowledge transcends boundaries.
This article is not just about a scholar’s life; it highlights the need to break free from narrow identities and embrace the values of diverse civilizations. Laufer’s legacy shows us that genuine knowledge knows no bounds.