Since the end of the 18th century, the French language has confidently advanced to the position of the language of international communication. This is due to the jerk that France made in that period in the political, economic and scientific fields. Naturally, in the Russian language, along with new life phenomena, new concepts are introduced that have been preserved in it to this day. In this article we will look at one of these words and find out what it means to engage.
Cavaliers invite ladies
Such public events as balls were introduced in Russia by Peter I. At first he had to literally drive the audience to such amusements. But over time, balls became one of the favorite pastimes of the upper strata of society, they overgrown with a number of certain rules, sometimes quite stringent. So, for example, it was supposed to invite ladies to dance not as God would put a soul on, but in a concrete way.
It was a custom to invite a girl to dance in advance, after which she became busy, that is, engaged. What it is? This word comes from another French noun, translated meaning “commitment” or “engagement”. This is the word engagement. It was not accepted to refuse the cavaliers to the ball, but if the lady had already promised a dance to another, it was believed that she was obliged to dance with him, that is, she was engaged. Partners could be invited no more than three times in a row.
From buffoons to the contract
The origin of theatrical performances in Russia is rooted in profanity in the 11th century. Then they were scornfully called a "booth" and were considered evidence of bad taste. Then, in the 18th century, a court theater appeared, followed by a serf theater. But the actors still belonged to second-class people, they were not even buried in the city cemetery and were not buried according to Christian custom.
Over time, the theater develops, becomes widespread, actors gain fame, popularity, become engaged. This means that a contract is signed with them for a certain period, indicating a specific amount of cash payments. That is, they, like the young ladies at the ball, become busy and commit themselves to work for a particular theater or entrepreneur (as they say now, a manager).
What did Sartre mean?
The famous French philosopher and writer of the 20th century, Jean-Paul Sartre, is one of the few figures who refused the Nobel Prize in literature or the Order of the Legion of Honor. This person was very principled, he believed that the adoption of awards would make him obliged to one or another social institution, and deprive of independence.
At the same time, Sartre had his own definite position regarding who he was - a biased person. He believed that this person is not obligated, but involved, that is, taking a firm position, taking someone's side consciously and voluntarily. Moreover, according to the French philosopher, by making a moral political choice, a person thereby creates himself.
Examples of Independent Engagement
Thus, according to Jean-Paul Sartre, engaged - it means not obliged to perform actions for the benefits received, but consciously participating in public life. In this case, intentional influence is excluded. An example of such a person was Sartre himself.
From modern life, we can take as an example such famous politicians as:
- Alexander Prokhanov, writer, publicist.
- Sergey Kurginyan, leader of the “Essence of Time” movement.
- Mikhail Weller, member of the Society of Russian Philosophers, writer.
- Sergey Shargunov, State Duma deputy, writer, journalist.
All these people are convinced, formed personalities, not subject to external pressure, actively participating in the life of society in accordance with their ideals. Such an interpretation of the concept under consideration was characteristic of the 20th century.
The other side of the coin
As for the 21st century, today the engaged person is not quite that, or rather, not at all what Sartre meant by this concept. Fundamental changes have occurred in our country, the economic and political system has changed, and the people themselves have changed. Today we are dealing with other realities, and the concepts are changing.
Politics has always been called a "dirty" business, and today, thanks to the openness of information, we can see for ourselves. We are also familiar with such a term as “politically engaged”, this refers to officials, journalists, political and public figures.
Today there are a large number of them, they are not guided by internal convictions, they do not voice their own position, but the point of view of the person who hired them, paid the money. Now they have become obligated, as they have been made “an offer that cannot be refused,” and they must work out their “gesheft,” that is, the benefits received.
Modern metamorphosis
Thus, today the word “biased”, used in relation to politics, has acquired a negative meaning. Tracing its history from the 18th century to the present day, we can say that earlier this word was used to refer to innocent young women who were obliged to dance three dances with a gentleman so as not to violate the rules of etiquette, circus artists, singers, theater actors who signed the contract and were obliged to entertain the audience.
Today, the engaged are serious people who “speak out” for a substantial bribe in front of the audience and listeners, but at the same time do not just entertain them, but try to influence their consciousness, further actions, and, ultimately, their lives. This takes into account not the modest interests of these people, but the serious appetites of corrupt politicians and the absolutely sky-high claims of puppeteers who “order music”.