I and Thou (Scribner Classic)

Martin Buber's __I and Thou__ has long been acclaimed as a classic. Many prominent writers have acknowledged its influence on their work; students of intellectual history consider it a landmark; and the generation born since World War II considers Buber as one of its prophets. The need for a new English translation has been felt for many years. The old version was marred by many inaccuracies and misunderstandings, and its recurrent use of the archaic "thou" was seriously misleading. Now Professor Walter Kaufmann, a distinguished writer and philosopher in his own right who was close to Buber, has retranslated the work at the request of Buber's family. He has added a wealth of informative footnotes to clarify obscurities and bring the reader closer to the original, and he has written a long "Prologue" that opens up new perspectives on the book and on Buber's thought. This volume should provide a new basis for all future discussions of Buber. "Martin Buber, heavily influenced by the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche, unites the proto-Existentialist currents of modern German thought with the Judeo-Christian tradition, powerfully updating faith for modern times.". "This work is the centerpiece of Buber's philosophy. It lays out a view of the world in which human beings can enter into relationships using their innermost and whole being to form true partnerships. These deep forms of rapport contrast with those that spring from the Industrial Revolution, namely the common, but basically unethical, treatment of others as objects for our use and the incorrect view of the universe as merely the object of our senses' experiences. Buber goes on to demonstrate how these interhuman meetings are a reflection of the human meeting with God. For Buber, the essence of biblical religion consists in the fact that - regardless of the infinite abyss between them - a dialogue between man and God is possible."--BOOK JACKET. Today considered a landmark of twentieth-century intellectual history. I and Thou is Buber's treatment of the religious and social dimensions of the human personality. This edition features the classic English translation by Ronald Gregor Smith. (from the book cover) By Martin Buber, With A Postscript By The Author Added ; Translated By Ronald Gregor Smith. Translation Of: Ich Und Du. Reprint. Originally Published: New York : Scribner's, 1958. THE PRESENT VOLUME owes its existence to Rafael Buber.