Book Review: Reasons for Naturalizing the Jews in Great Britain and Ireland by John Toland (1714)

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Book Review: Reasons for Naturalizing the Jews in Great Britain and Ireland by John Toland (1714)

- "a work that might well be described as revolutionary" -

by Dr. Jordi Morillas

posted 20 Oct 2013, 19:43

Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov maintained that, from a historical point of view, we can distinguish two types of men: the ordinary, i.e. one whose sole mission in life would be to procreate and maintain the species numerically; and the extra-ordinary, i.e. those distinguished by the fact that, going beyond the established rules and tradition, they pronounce a new word in their medium, thereby marking a turning point in the advancement of humanity.

As regards economics, Toland argued that the presence of Jews in a given territory has always been synonymous with wealth and prosperity, presenting as counter-examples the precarious fate of Spain and Portugal, after their expulsion. In this context, Toland echoes xenophobic prejudices of the common people, who claim that foreigners 'take bread out of their mouths' (p.32), arguing that the fact that more people engaged in the same activities facilitates not only the increase in goods and services, but also competition, thereby promoting improved supply and, above all, the lowering of retail prices. This is what Toland called the "Rule of More, and Better and Cheaper." (p. 33)

On the other hand, the Irish philosopher decisively combats the prejudice that Jews are exclusively devoted to trade and usury, exposing a series of empirical data that demonstrate their excellence in other areas and indicating that, if the Jews are characterised by their financial work, it is only because throughout history they have not bee allowed to perform any other activity. (pp. 14-16)

Next Toland denounces all historical persecution and accusations that have been carried out against the Jews (cf. p. 20-24), highlighting how they were rooted in superstitions and in prejudices introduced by priests, especially when they were allowed to participate in and decide on policy (cf p.12, 19 et seq.). Toland graphically defined the situation when, relying on another defender of the rights of the Jews, the Italian Simon Luzzatto, he classifies the historical enemies of the Jewish people as follows: "These are first the zealots, under whom may be listed Priests and Hypocrites; secondly Politicians, comprehending corrupt States-men, and drivers of private Interest; and thirdly the vulgar, who, under colour of religion or the public good, are acted, animated, and deluded by the other two, the better to serve their own sinister purposes." (p. 40, cf p. 23)

The consequences of hatred of the Jews can be observed, not only in societies that have expelled them from their midsts, but also in those in which they live to enjoy certain freedoms, such as Turkey or Poland. Thus, according to Toland, in these countries, although the Jews have properties and schools, "yet they are treated little better than Dogs in the first place, and are often expos'd in the last to unspeakable Calamities." (p. 35)

Once the traditional prejudices against the Jews have been confronted and rejected, Toland justifies their necessary naturalisation, arguing that, unlike other groups, Jews would not get mixed up in political or religious issues (cf. pp. 36-37) and would support "Liberty of Conscience" (p. 12) putting them on the same side as "Liberty and the Constitution". (p.13). Moreover, the Jews would never betray their host country by obeying a foreign authority or fighting for another country, since they don't have one, and so their faithfulness would be guaranteed and they would work for peace and social cohesion. (pp. 13-14).

Despite the economic and socio-political advantages of naturalisation of the Jews in Britain and Ireland, Toland is aware that his proposal to end the "strange stories of the danger of Judaizing" (p.44) will not be welcome within certain sections of society. However, he knows that he has done the right thing, as a member of a community and above all, as a philosopher: "I own that thus much I thought necessary to write, for the common benefit on this uncommon subject; and if I shou'd not meet with a general applause (in which case I shall not at all be disappointed) yet I cannot but enjoy the particular satisfactioin of having dischaged what I believ'd to be my duty: since with all wise and honest men, Humanity and good Nature are sure to atone for any defect in my Politics." (p. 45)

With these words, Toland ends a work that might well be described as revolutionary, since it seeks to address and eliminate a historical bias which has been - and still is today - a heritage not only of the public at large, but also of the intellectuals (cf. p.16). The unconditional struggle against all forms of prejudice, in order to free the human spirit, is the main characteristic of the philosophy of John Toland; a feature that distinguishes him from the vast majority of currently considered, great philosophers and provides the key to understanding why he is a virtually forgotten thinker.

This review has been translated from the Spanish original, which was first published in Daímon. Revista Internacional de Filosofía, nº 59, 2013

Reasons for Naturalizing the Jews in Great Britain and Ireland by John Toland (1670-1722) was first published in 1714. A new edition has been published in print and e-book formats by The Manuscript Publisher, which are available to buy online.

The General Editor for the project is J.N. Duggan, author of John Toland: Ireland's Forgotten Scholar, Philosopher ... and Heretic, which is also available to buy online in print and e-book editions.

Signed copies of Books by J.N. Duggan are available to buy exclusively from our Online Book Shop