Tribute to Jerome Kohn: Guardian of Arendt's Legacy and Advocate for Democracy

Jerome Kohn, a prominent figure in the realm of political philosophy and a tireless advocate for the works of Hannah Arendt, has passed away at the age of 93. His death on November 8 in Bay Shore, New York, marks the end of an era for those who revered Arendt’s profound insights into totalitarianism, the nature of evil, and the complexities of human existence. Kohn's relationship with Arendt began in 1967 when he audited her courses at the New School for Social Research, later becoming her teaching assistant and a close confidant. This connection blossomed into a lifelong commitment to safeguarding her intellectual legacy, as he assumed the role of literary executor and trustee of the Hannah Arendt Bluecher Literary Trust in 2001. Through these positions, Kohn became the essential gatekeeper of Arendt's work, ensuring that her ideas remained accessible and influential in contemporary discourse. As the founder of the Hannah Arendt Center at the New School, Kohn dedicated himself to fostering an environment where Arendt's writings could be explored, debated, and understood. He edited several of her significant works, including "Eichmann in Jerusalem," "Essays in Understanding," and "The Promise of Politics." His efforts to contextualize Arendt's often challenging ideas helped to elevate her status as a key philosophical figure, particularly her controversial notions surrounding the "banality of evil" as exemplified in the actions of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi bureaucrat. Kohn was acutely aware of the misinterpretations that often surrounded Arendt’s work. He actively defended her against criticisms that she had exonerated Eichmann or failed to grasp the gravity of the Holocaust. He argued that her insights were often misunderstood, emphasizing that her inquiries were rooted in a deep moral and philosophical concern for human dignity and civic responsibility. In his writings, Kohn frequently reiterated Arendt's belief that a well-informed citizenry is essential to any democracy and that misinformation could lead to the erosion of individual judgment and agency. Beyond his editorial capacities, Kohn's intellectual contributions extended to the establishment of Arendt Centers in various academic institutions, including a significant one at the University of Oldenburg in Germany. His influence reached into the academic and cultural landscapes, where he promoted open debate and critical thinking as vital components of democratic life. Kohn's personal connection to Arendt enriched both his understanding of her ideas and his ability to convey them. Colleagues and friends noted that his warmth and humor brought a unique dimension to his role as a scholar, allowing others to appreciate the depth of Arendt's sensibility beyond her written words. Historian Rochelle Gurstein remarked that Kohn's generosity of spirit made him an unusual literary trustee, capable of sharing personal anecdotes that illuminated Arendt's character and philosophical insights. Throughout his life, Kohn remained steadfast in his belief that public discourse and individual action are paramount to a thriving democracy. His collaborative work with the luxury brand Gucci to reproduce Arendt’s etymological analysis of "persona" and "the human condition" on T-shirts symbolized his commitment to making her ideas accessible to the public, further bridging the gap between high philosophy and everyday life. Kohn's passing leaves a significant void in the world of political theory. He is survived by his sister, Mary Kohn Lazarus, and his partner, Gerard Hoolahan, who shared a home in Cutchogue, New York. As we remember Jerome Kohn, we honor not only his contributions to the legacy of Hannah Arendt but also his unwavering dedication to the ideals of civic engagement and philosophical inquiry that continue to resonate in our complex political landscape.