Horkheimer’s fear of unprotected exile drove the Institute’s outwardly energetic but directionless survival
Evidence
But fear was also an important motive for maintaining the work of the Institute at as impressive a level as possible. Under the umbrella of Columbia University, the Institute was an important protection; without it Horkheimer would have felt entirely like an individual cast into exile in a society in which, as he saw it, only powerful organizations offered any protection and individuals and their property were at the mercy of all the manipulated `accidents’ of the monopoly-capitalist era. And his need for achievement in the theoretical sphere was no less highly developed than his need for self-respect, which was flattered by his role as a managerial scholar and director of a scientific institution. This inner conflict produced a compromise in which the business of the Institute continued but without any particular direction. — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School, 1043
Categorization
- XREF: Connects to the broader theme of émigré intellectual institutions in exile — parallels the adaptive compromises of other refugee scholarly bodies under American patronage like the Warburg Institute. — connects to: Exile concentrated both Horkheimer’s personal power and the Institute’s appeal. — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 589; Fear drove Horkheimer to keep the Institute impressive while prioritizing private theory work — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 1043; Horkheimer’s cautious tactical maneuvering stemmed from Jewish insecurity — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 1744 (+2 more)
Broader Connections
- Horkheimer traveled east mostly to reassure patrons the Institute still lived
#exemplifies(0.82) — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School, 1491 - Horkheimer’s cautious tactical maneuvering stemmed from Jewish insecurity
#expands(0.80) — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School, 1744 - Horkheimer’s strategic indecision reflected a Jewish condition requiring Machiavellian skill for security
#expands(0.78) — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School, 1744