This letter, written by Ladislav Hejdánek on May 4, 1968, captures the dynamic atmosphere of the Prague Spring. The author describes significant changes in his public and publishing activities following the relaxation of censorship. He mentions forthcoming articles in the journals Sešity and Plamen, the revival of the banned magazine Tvář, and his active participation in the Ecumenical Movement of Intelligentsia and Students and the Society for Human Rights. Hejdánek highlights the breaking of the Marxist monopoly in science and culture, evidenced by his potential appointment to the Institute of Philosophy and his editorial work on a new series of philosophical texts at the Mladá fronta publishing house. Despite professional optimism and belief in the permanence of the democratization process—which he views as dependent on the nation's resolve—the letter also reflects personal concerns. The author touches upon family health issues and simple joys, such as sending ornamental plant seeds. The text serves as an authentic testimony to the intellectual ferment and hopes of Czechoslovak society during the pivotal year of 1968.
Hejdánek, Ladislav → Kuchařová, Vilma + Kuchař, Jan
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◆ correspondence, Czech, origin: 4. 5. 1968
- in: Ladislav Hejdánek, Žít bez průšvihů znamená žít bez pravdy, ed. Jan Hron, Červený Kostelec: Pavel Mervart, 2025, p. 68-69
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