Abstract

Question: 1956 was a year of drastic change in the history of socialist countries, and for you and other people around Lukacs, it was a decisive year. You participated in a conference on freedom at the beginning of 1956. Block had organized it and Kolakowski read a paper. The conference had a clear political impact and provided an excellent opportunity to meet the young generation educated in countries of “realized socialism.” In reference to this and other events of that year, would you clarify the importance of 1956 for your formation and, in general, for Eastern European countries?

Heller: 1956 was both the end and the beginning of something.