Prague’s enchanting Malá Strana, nestled on the Vltava’s west bank, is a magnet for visitors. Its charm unfolds with every cobbled street, from the verdant riverbank to the captivating Baroque architecture, with St. Nicholas Church a dazzling crown jewel. But even after a month of exploring the city, I, like many visitors, undoubtedly missed hidden treasures.
Even within the confines of the concentration camp, Josef’s artistic talent was recognized, albeit for a cruel purpose. The Gestapo tasked him with running a painting workshop and even creating a family tree for high-ranking SS officers.
This is particularly true for me with a place located at Říční 532/11, an address that, according to a science fiction enthusiast, holds most significance in Prague. While some might scoff, for sci-fi enthusiasts, this unassuming building holds a special place. It was once the residence of the Čapek brothers, Karel and Josef. Karel may be credited with coining the word “robot” in his sci-fi play R.U.R., but his brother Josef deserves a deeper look.
This article aims to portray beyond the well-known aspects of the Čapek brothers. While online information about Josef Čapek exists, my stay in Prague allowed me to access various Czech libraries and archives. Through this access, I found lesser-known details about Josef Čapek, a writer, artist, and staunch patriot who bravely defied Hitler’s tyranny. Here, I’m excited to share these fascinating anecdotes and bring Josef Čapek’s remarkable life to beloved readers.
Science fiction wouldn’t be the same without the ubiquitous word “robot.” This term has its roots in Czech literature. In 1920, Czech author Karel Čapek introduced the world to robots in his play, R.U.R. (Rossumovi Univerzální Roboti / Rossum’s Universal Robots). The word “robot” itself comes from the Czech noun “Robota,” which has Slavic origins and translates to “labor” or “hard work.”
Before delving into the Čapek brothers and the word “robot,” let’s explore a fascinating historical footnote! Karel Čapek, the famed writer, shared a remarkable connection with India. Rabindranath Tagore visited Czechoslovakia twice during his European travels, fostering warm relationships with intellectuals across the continent. As the dark clouds of Nazi occupation loomed over Czechoslovakia, Karel reached out to Tagore through Radio Prague, seeking moral support. From Santiniketan, thousand miles away, Tagore responded with a telegram expressing solidarity with the Czech people facing the threat of Nazi Germany. This act of solidarity highlights a connection that transcends language and borders.
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Interestingly, despite being nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature, Čapek never received the prestigious award. Some speculate that Sweden (in those days), fearing repercussions from Hitler, chose not to honor anti-fascists like Čapek. This theory suggests that Čapek may have been overlooked due to his courageous stance against fascism!
Karel Čapek, who was reportedly on the Gestapo’s arrest list, stayed in Prague instead of leaving his homeland. However, he was not captured by the Gestapo as he passed away on December 25, 1938, three months before the Nazi invasion. His brother Josef, also a target for his outspoken views, wasn’t as ‘fortunate’. Arrested on September 1, 1939, Josef perished in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
The exact details of Josef’s fate remain shrouded in mystery. His body was never recovered, and the date of his death is uncertain. Investigations point to April 30, 1947, but the truth is obscured by the horrors of the camp.
Before the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia, Josef was known for his artistic talents. He was involved in writing, painting, and theater. However, when the storm clouds of fascism gathered, Josef’s creative spirit turned defiant. He wielded his pen and brush as weapons, crafting anti-Nazi cartoons for newspapers.
Even within the confines of the concentration camp, Josef’s artistic talent was recognized, albeit for a cruel purpose. The Gestapo tasked him with running a painting workshop and even creating a family tree for high-ranking SS officers. These details highlight the barbarity of the regime and the tragic fate of this gifted artist who dared to resist.
However, much has been discussed on captivity or death. We started with robots. Let’s go back to robots.
While Karel Čapek is often credited with inventing the word “robot,” the story behind its creation is more collaborative. According to a personal letter published in the renowned Czechoslovakian newspaper Lidové Noviny (meaning “People’s Newspaper”) in 1933, Karel attributed the word’s origin to his brother, Josef.
The letter paints a vivid picture of the moment. Karel, brimming with the idea for his play R.U.R., excitedly approached Josef, who was engrossed in painting. With a quick summary of the play’s concept, Karel declared, “I think I have an idea for a play!” Josef, holding another brush in mouth, simply replied, “Then write it,” his focus unwavering.
But Karel had a problem. “I don’t know what to call these artificial workers,” he confessed. “Labori sounds too bookish.” Without missing a beat, Josef, still focused on his canvas, mumbled through his brush, “Robots. Call them robots.”
This personal account, shared by Karel, underscores the power of casual conversation to spark inspiration. It also hints at a playful dynamic between the Čapek brothers, where creativity flowed freely.
The letter by Karel Čapek detailing the birth of “robot” resides in a digital archive, a treasure trove for future science fiction fans delving deeper into the word’s etymology. But beyond its historical value, the Čapek brothers’ anecdote offers a welcome respite from today’s often-contentious copyright debates and intellectual property battles.
Picture Credit : Author
