The history of Maltese migration usually emphasises the economic benefits that accrued to Malta, starting with the massive migration to the Mediterranean littoral in the 1800s to the not-less-massive exodus in the post-World War II period. What we tend to forget is the input sons of migrants have contributed in other spheres, particularly the intellectual heritage they’ve left behind them.

One such person was Jacques Ellul (1912-1994), born in Bordeaux of Maltese parents (pictured). His father (Joseph Ellul) was born in Malta.

Trained as a sociologist at the University of Bordeaux, he was Professor of History and the Sociology of Institutions, Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences at the University of Bordeaux. He is now particularly regarded as a philosopher. He has written more than 50 books, varying from sociology and philosophy, including arguably his most important work, The Technological Society (1964), as well as over 1,000 articles.

During World War II, he played an active part in the French Resistance to Nazi occupation and was involved in saving many Jews.

In 2001, Yad Vashem , Israel‘s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, awarded him posthumously the title Righteous among the Nations.

Mainly interested in the impact of technology on society, he was very critical of the role technology plays in limiting human freedom. He was also very interested in the interaction of politics and religion.

A conference was recently held in Ottawa on ‘Revisiting the thought of Jacques Ellul in the 21st century’, emphasising his lasting influence.