Thomas Friese Discusses His Translation of Ernst Jünger's The Adventurous Heart

In his preface, Friese notes that *The Adventurous Heart* was his initial encounter with Jünger, which significantly shaped his appreciation of the author's work. He considers it an excellent introduction to Jünger’s worldview, contrasting it with the more common entry points like *Der Arbeiter* or *Storms of Steel*. He highlights the importance of experiencing Jünger’s writings free from ideological biases, reflecting on how many readers encounter them in politically charged contexts that color their understanding.

Friese admires Jünger’s ability to reveal the complex reality of everyday life with an honest yet optimistic tone. He appreciates how the author captures both the beauty and darkness of existence, stating that even the more unsettling pieces often have an underlying sense of hope.

When asked about Jünger’s controversial associations with National Socialism, Friese argues that such connections are outdated and misinformed. He maintains that Jünger actively distanced himself from the Nazis, upholding his integrity during tumultuous times. He emphasizes that his translation was a personal endeavor sparked by a reading group, coinciding with Telos Press’s plans to publish the book.

Addressing the challenges of translating Jünger, Friese notes that while some struggle with the disjointed nature of Jünger’s thoughts, he finds them interconnected in complex ways. He aims to preserve Jünger’s ambiguities and encourage readers to engage deeply with the text without overt explanations that might dilute its meaning.

Friese envisions Jünger’s mature philosophy as applicable to contemporary society, suggesting that while Jünger’s thought may not fit neatly into current political or social themes, it offers valuable insights. He points out that only a fraction of Jüger’s works have been translated into English compared to other languages, highlighting a gap that he believes should be addressed.

His focus on the individual’s development rather than societal improvement reflects Jünger’s philosophy, which he describes as one that seeks to understand broader society while remaining fundamentally independent of it. Friese believes there is much in Jünger’s writings, especially regarding modern issues like technology and morality, that remains untranslated and crucial for contemporary discourse. He is currently translating *An der Zeitmauer (At the Time Barrier)*, focusing on themes of climate change that are increasingly relevant today.