Re: What exactly is désinvolture?

[Ulrich Oswald <dear@ulri.ch>]

Gary Kern wrote:
> 
> A RIDDLE FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE ERNST JÜNGER LIST:
> 
> We have all talked about désinvolture, but are we agreed on what it
> means?  Does the concept, for instance, contain principles for the right
> way to live?  Or is it just an attitude?
> 
> Allow me to set you this problem:  Suppose that you are a devotee of
> Jünger and find in his life and works a model for your own.  Say further
> that you are speaking with a younger man and want to impart J's wisdom
> to him.  What five (5) principles or pieces of advice would you give
> him?  Would you start by saying, "Always maintain your distance."
> 
> I ask not as an academic exercise or a problem in semantics, but out of
> a real desire to know what tactics Jünger or his vaunted désinvolture
> might recommend for dealing with a disagreeable world.
> 
> GK
> 
> PS to Ulrich Oswald:
> 
> What did your native Russian friend say about "neprivyazannost'" as a
> translation for "désinvolture?"

Hi Gary

My friend Oleg said that nenavletshonnost' is fine for the term we seek
for Junger's social attitude. Neprivyasannost' is too strong, would mean
actually standing apart. otstranonnost' is even stronger, as if standing
on a bridge, looking down at the fishes. nemeshatel'stvo finally has a
political touch, meaning not get mixed in in the inner affairs of a
party or a state. 

So far for désinvolture as seen by a Russian. 

Ulrich Oswald