Formative Years | Polanyi on Polanyi

The speaker reflects on their career from 1961 to 1992 and their ongoing involvement with the University of the West Indies. They discuss their father's literary legacy, which they donated to Concordia University. Born in Vienna in 1923, they recount their childhood during the great inflation and the influence of Socialist Vienna. The civil war in 1934 left a lasting impression, leading to their move to England. Initially disliking England, they eventually appreciated the education they received. Despite challenges in pursuing physics and history at Cambridge and Oxford, they settled for economics at LSE during World War II.

What significant events occurred in Vienna during the year 1923?

How did the speaker's childhood experiences in Vienna shape their views on Socialist Vienna?

How did the speaker's experiences during the general strike in Vienna impact their perspective on political events?

What were the circumstances surrounding the speaker's departure to England in 1934?

Describe the speaker's initial impressions of England upon arrival.

What challenges did the speaker face in pursuing their academic ambitions?

What educational opportunities did the speaker have in England during the war?