The rise and fall of cosmopolitanism is one of The World of Yesterday’s most important themes and in many ways is its most overt. Cosmopolitanism is the idea that humanity should identify as one single community rooted in shared beliefs, values, and ideals rather than national origin or sociocultural identity. Rather than identifying as Austrian Jewish or Viennese, Zweig considers himself “a citizen of the world” (251). His identity is rooted in a very particular, pan-European intellectualism that for him and his cohort was more important than nationality, culture, or ethno-religious identification.

Zweig’s cosmopolitanism has its origin in Viennese intellectual life, which Zweig was exposed to from an early age. Although not overly moved by what he perceived as outdated curriculum in Austria’s educational system, he was profoundly inspired by the artists, writers, philosophers, and musicians who flocked to Vienna during the late 19th and early 20th century. He grew up with access to the newest symphonies, operas, works of literature and philosophy, and intellectual innovations in Europe, and it was this atmosphere that taught him to value the pursuit of knowledge above all else. He also notes the lack of prejudice and antisemitism in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the harmony among multiple ethnic and national groups.