Nirgendwo in Europa, Nowhere in Europe

Associate Professor Fu Tzu-Keng of Yuan Ze University's College of General Studies shares his journey through the history, culture, and philosophy of Vienna.

As I moved from Western Europe to Central Europe, I embarked on a journey across the Alps, with Vienna as my turning point. This trip allowed me to delve into the rich historical and cultural heritage of the city. Austria and Switzerland, despite their geographical proximity, have developed distinct identities—Switzerland remains multicultural, while Austria is deeply influenced by Germanic traditions. Vienna, once the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, continues to exert intellectual and cultural influence today.

Vienna is a moderately sized city that has preserved its old metro and tram systems while embracing a vibrant café culture. It has been home to numerous influential thinkers, including members of the Vienna Circle, Sigmund Freud, Kurt Gödel, and Ludwig Wittgenstein. Originally planning to visit the Freud Museum, I instead spent meaningful time at the University of Vienna, where I gained deeper insights into the Vienna Circle’s development through a guided tour by Dr. Ching-Hua Tsai.

The Wittgenstein family was once among the wealthiest in Austria, and Ludwig Wittgenstein’s philosophical ideas were profoundly shaped by music and art. His architectural work can still be found in Vienna, and when he returned to Cambridge after the war, economist John Maynard Keynes famously remarked, "God has arrived," reflecting Wittgenstein’s towering status in philosophy.

Vienna’s café culture was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. Among them, Café Central stands out as a gathering place for philosophers, writers, and artists. Beyond its historical and artistic significance, Vienna remains a center for intellectual exchange.

This journey rekindled my connection with past readings and memories, deepening my appreciation for Vienna. More than just a city of music and art, it is a dreamlike convergence of knowledge and culture.