Javier Cercas Joins the Royal Spanish Academy: A Call for Literary Responsibility
On November 24, 2024, acclaimed writer Javier Cercas was formally welcomed into the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) during a ceremony that sparked thoughtful discussions on the role of literature and the responsibilities of writers in society. Cercas, known for his poignant storytelling and profound reflections on modernity, used his induction speech to critique what he termed 'idiot writers'—those who engage solely with personal affairs and neglect the broader political landscapes that shape public life.
The term 'idiot,' originating from the Greek 'idiotes,' refers to individuals who focus on their own interests while disregarding the common good, particularly in political contexts. Throughout his address titled 'Misunderstandings of Modernity: A Manifesto,' Cercas emphasized that a genuine writer must be anything but an idiot. This assertion highlighted the essential link between literature and civic engagement, underscoring the need for artists to step outside their ivory towers.
Cercas drew on the legacies of literary giants such as Marcel Proust, Franz Kafka, Jorge Luis Borges, and James Joyce, positioning them as examples of writers who, even while producing isolated, introspective works, ultimately engage with the societal issues of their time. The paradox he articulated was clear: sometimes, true commitment to a societal cause requires temporary withdrawal from it, a strategy he defended as a valid approach among writers and intellectuals.
Javier Cercas was elected to the prestigious RAE chair that had been vacant since the passing of fellow novelist Javier Marías on September 11, 2022. In his speech, Cercas took a moment to honor Marías, whom he referred to as a 'great Spanish novelist plain and simple,' while praising Marías's unwavering dedication to addressing controversial societal topics. He stated, 'If that is not a writer committed to their time and country, what the hell is?' This assertion reflected Cercas's belief in the importance of taking a stance on pressing issues, a responsibility he felt all writers share.
Throughout his talk, Cercas expounded on the utility of literature. He critiqued the modern glorification of the artist, calling it 'ridiculous,' and championed the notion that the true value of literature lies in its organic nature. He stated, 'Literature is useful as long as it does not propose to be so. As soon as it proposes to be useful, it becomes propaganda or pedagogy, and it ceases to be literature at least true literature and it stops being useful.' For Cercas, literature should emerge from genuine artistic intent rather than driven by a desire to instruct or persuade.
The writer poignantly likened reading to an essential aspect of human experience: 'Reading is a form of knowledge of oneself and others exactly like sex.' With a sense of empathy, he remarked that when he encounters someone who professes an aversion to reading, his immediate response is one of condolence, akin to a reaction upon discovering a person who dislikes such a fundamental aspect of life.
Cercas concluded his remarks by commending the readers—who he described as 'a walking time bomb'—citing their potential to formulate independent thoughts and engage critically with the world around them. This final note underscored his belief that literature, when pursued with authenticity, can foster a deeper understanding of humanity and spur meaningful discourse.
As Javier Cercas takes on his new role within the Royal Spanish Academy, his emphasis on the intersection of literature and social responsibility sets a challenging precedent for writers today. In a world increasingly dominated by individualism and detached art, his call to remain politically engaged serves as a vital reminder of the enduring power of the written word.
Related Sources: