I and Thou

De: Martin Buber

Narrado por: John Lescault

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 after World War II considers Buber one of its prophets. Buber’s main proposition is that we may address existence in two ways: (1) that of the “I” toward an “It,” toward an object that is separate in itself, which we either use or experience; (2) that of the “I” toward “Thou,” in which we move into existence in a relationship without bounds. One of the major themes of the book is that human life finds its meaningfulness in relationships. All of our relationships, Buber contends, bring us ultimately into relationship with God, who is the Eternal Thou.

The need for a new English translation had 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. Professor Walter Kaufmann, a distinguished writer and philosopher in his own right who was close to Buber, retranslated the work at the request of Buber’s family. He added a wealth of informative footnotes to clarify obscurities and bring the reader closer to the original and wrote an extensive prologue that opened up new perspectives on the book and on Buber’s thought. This volume provided a new basis for all subsequent discussions of Buber.

Martin Buber (1878–1965) was a Jewish philosopher, theologian, Bible translator, and editor of Hasidic tradition. He was also known as one of the paramount spiritual leaders of the twentieth century and is best known as the author of I and Thou - the basic formulation of his philosophy of dialogue - and for his appreciation of Hasidism, which made a deep impact on Christian as well as Jewish thinkers. Fleeing Nazi Germany in 1938, he immigrated to Israel, where he taught social philosophy at the Hebrew University.

©1970 Charles Scribner’s Sons (Translation); Prologue 1970 by Walter Kaufmann (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“A revelation…It is a book to be read through and pondered, and then read again.” ( Times Literary Supplement, London)

No idea what he said

I would guess it is probably a very interesting book if you are somehow able to understand what on earth he is talking about.

Dense but wonderful

This is a book that needs to be read. Not listened to, read. The speaker does a great job and presents the material well, but the work is just do dense in meaning, wording, and possible interpretation that one should rely on this audiobook only as a superfiscial introduction into this book. I plan on purchasing the book and reading and rereading, but I appreciate this audiobook for bringing to light this spiritual classic.

Good but difficult read.

Wonderful book, the introduction and annotations (audible audiobook version) are very helpful.

The book itself is a bit bewildering, which the writer of the introduction fully acknowledges. Buber almost seems to be writing in a stream of consciousness. Nevertheless, it’s a quick read and contains many interesting bits that aid reflection on the essential, relational nature of existence.

Four stars because it’s not the easiest read, but it’s still worth it.

Great Philosophical Classic!

Practical... idealistic... high-flying poetry. Rather as though Thomas A. Harris, Kahlil Gibran and Georg Hegel got together and wrote a book. Definitely one to get to before you die...

Tough but worth it

It is a tough book but it is a good book. Sometimes easier to follow along with a copy of the book in hand.