I and Thou

Martin Buber's "I and Thou" has long been acclaimed 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" or (2) that of the "I" toward "Thou." One of the major themes of the book is that human life finds its meaning in relationships. All of our relationships, Buber contends, bring us ultimately into relationship with God, the Eternal Thou. This English translation by Walter Kaufmann, a distinguished writer and philosopher in his own right, was requested by Buber's family. Kaufmann added a wealth of footnotes to clarify obscurities and bring the reader closer to the original. (Translated, with a prologue and notes, by Walter Kaufmann.)