It’s amazing to be able to watch a rare film of Tomas G. Masaryk, the Father of Czechoslovakia, speaking English for “Fox Movietone News” on November 29, 1929.
But perhaps more amazing is what he actually SAYS in the clip.
“If I observe the inventiveness of our modern scientists, I sometimes fancy a much greater invention, to see and hear in the distance without any wire. Just imagine. You could observe from your place, say in the sitting room, the jungles of Africa, what the wild beasts are doing there. And more, you could see in distances, to the jungles of our human society. Every man then, would be forced to be honest. And there would be no secret plotting anymore of all the wickedness. Wonderful, no?”
Is he really talking about wireless technology and another level of Google earth, one where we can watch in real time – live – the goings on of wherever we wish to see on the planet?
Yes. That is what he is talking about. And remember, this is 1929.
Listen for yourself…
What is he speaking of?
Television? Wireless Communications? Google Earth?
He continues…
“And then, now you have at the home, a lot of your own prophets, analyzing, criticising, your life in America. The development of your country and I read a good deal of the books dealing with your problems. The Europeans can learn a bit of you Americans, I myself learned something in Washington that a good horseman told me, that riding you get twice as much pressure in your than walking, so I am going to have my morning ride.”
“Goodbye and Thank you…”
Alice Masaryková, the President´s daughter appears as well.
“… and remember our watchword, cooperation not competition.”
Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk (sometimes called Thomas Masaryk in English) was born on March 7, 1850 and died on September 14, 1937.
He was a Czechoslovak politician, sociologist and philosopher, who as an eager advocate of Czechoslovak independence during World War I became the founder and first President of Czechoslovakia.He originally wished to reform the Austro-Hungarian monarchy into a democratic federal state, but during the First World War he began to favour the abolition of the monarchy and, with the help of the Allied Powers, eventually succeeded.
Masaryk’s life motto was “Do not fear and do not steal” (Czech: Nebát se a nekrást). He was a philosopher and an outspoken rationalist and humanist, he emphasised practical ethics, reflecting the influence of Anglo-Saxon philosophers, French philosophy, and especially the work of 18th Century German philosopher, Johann Gottfried Herder, who is considered the founder of nationalism. He was critical of German idealistic philosophy and Marxism.
After death of Tomas.G.Masaryk´s wife Charlotta Garrigue-Masaryková (who was born in Brooklyn, New York), Alice Masaryk continued with the role of the First Lady.
His daughter Alice was the founder of Czech Red Cross.
Here is his favorite song… Ach synku, synku.
We love to share and feature unique and amazing things, especially in relation to Bohemia so if you have a tip for us, please do tell us about it. We also love reading your comments….
If you have not already subscribed to get TresBohemes.com delivered to your inbox, please use the form below now so you never miss another post.
Remember, we rely solely on your donations to keep the project going.
Kyti, moc zajimave!!!!!
Krasna pisen!
Masaryk was a great leader, visionary, and man. Czechoslovakia’s founder and first president Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk is hugely respected by many Czechs and still referred to as the tatínek (daddy) of the nation.
A forward thinker in so many ways.