An Idealist View of Life Radhakrishnan

An Idealist View of Life by S. Radhakrishnan was initially published in 1932. It features the so-called Hibbert Lectures given under the title An Idealist View of Life at the University of Manchester in December 1929 and in the University College, London, in January 1930, substantially as they were delivered, but with some added passages. In 1952 Dr. Radhakrishnan was chosen as Vice President of the Republic of India. Radhakrishnan was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature for five consecutive years from 1933–1937, although he did not win. His nominator was Hjalmar Hammarskjöld, father of Dag Hammarskjöld.

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An Idealist View of Life Radhakrisnan

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Dr. S. Radhakrishnan – The Greatest Religious Philosopher

Who was Dr. S. Radhakrishnan?

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975) was an Indian philosopher, academic, and statesman who served as the first Vice President (1952-1962) and the second President (1962-1967) of India. He is considered one of the most influential scholars of comparative religion and philosophy in India and is credited with having built a bridge between Eastern and Western thought through his extensive writings and lectures.

Here are some key points about Dr. S. Radhakrishnan:

1. Educational Background: He studied philosophy by chance rather than choice, but his profound insights into the subject made him one of the most distinguished philosophers of the 20th century.
2. Academic Career: Radhakrishnan held several academic positions, including the King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science at the University of Calcutta and the Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford.
3. Philosophical Works: He wrote extensively on Indian philosophy and religion, interpreting and comparing it with Western thought. His most famous works include “Indian Philosophy” (2 volumes) and “The Principal Upanishads.”
4. Recognition: He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1954.
5. Teachers’ Day: In India, his birthday, September 5th, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in his honor. This is because Radhakrishnan believed that “teachers should be the best minds in the country.”
6. Diplomatic and Political Roles: Apart from his academic contributions, Radhakrishnan played a significant role in the Indian political scene. He represented India at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and was later Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union.
7. Religious and Philosophical Beliefs: Radhakrishnan believed in the universality of religions and was against religious intolerance. He emphasized the importance of spiritual education for a balanced life.

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan’s contributions to both philosophy and public life in India are immense, and he remains a revered figure in the country’s history.