Book Review: I and Thou

I and Thou by Martin Buber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have yet to write a book review over a philosophical text. I will attempt to do so, but probably not do the work justice. If someone is reading this review and wondering if they should read this book, let me give a couple of warnings. It is tedious reading. I consulted my dictionary app (because we don't have real dictionaries anymore) more times than I want to admit to. I stopped and reread passages that were convoluted and that I failed to comprehend. I probably lit up some critical thinking areas of my brain that have lain dormant since college. Despite all of these challenges, this book is worth the read. The philosophy, once grasped as best as one can, fits with lessons from yoga. Biblical references are there, but do not beat one over the head with the Bible. There is a certain beauty to the ideas that Buber wants to share with the world, but I cannot comprehend why he used arcane German in which to communicate this. Translations of the arcane can only lead to misinterpretation. If anyone in the Goodreads community knows why, please drop me a comment and explain it. I would highly recommend this book despite the challenges.

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