The Intellectuals and the Revolution

Abstract

Intellectuals recognize, of course, the usefulness of exchanging impressions, of assembling and getting to know each other; but through an old tradition of isolation, of individual labor, and even through simple prejudice or lack of opportunity, only exceptionally does the possibility of examining common problems arise, especially among intellectuals of different countries. The Cultural Congress of Havana, held with singular success from January 4 to 12 of this year, was one of those rare and happy occasions. During eight fruitful days, in the warm and hospitable atmosphere of a new and beautiful Cuba, against the stimulating background of a revolution on the march and in the framework of unrestricted liberty for each and every participant, about 500 writers and artists, scientists and technicians from 70 countries met to examine the cultural problems of the so-called Third World.

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