THE WAY OF HUMANITY

Mehlman and Padawer present a new translation of Buber’s classic work of philosophy.

Martin Buber was one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century, probably best known for I and Thou (1923), in which he argues that humanity reaches its fullest expression in relationships with God and with other people. In this collection of talks he gave in 1947, the author presents legends and parables that exemplify his understanding of Chasidic Judaism, adding his own thoughts on these stories. The God who emerges from these tales is a paradox: infinite and ineffable, but also ever present. This is a God who meets people where they are. The rabbis we encounter here are similarly puzzling: They are renowned for their wisdom, but when followers come to them for guidance, these holy men invariably instruct their questioners to look inside themselves for answers. Their philosophy is perhaps best summarized by Rabbi Eliezer when he says, “Forget yourself and have the whole world in mind!” Buber, however, is a warm and generous guide. Taken as a whole, his meditations on these tales articulate an openhearted philosophy of living centered on service, and Mehlman and Padawer have followed his lead in crafting this very inviting translation. The syntax they use is elegantly simple, and contemporary readers will appreciate their use of gender-neutral language. Scholarly supplemental material makes up a considerable portion of this slender volume, and its presence is a valuable addition. While it’s true that the translators’ comments on the text would have been easier to process as footnotes than as endnotes, their observations are immensely helpful. Two forewords, a translators’ introduction, and a substantive and fascinating epilogue offer valuable guidance and context—even to the reader who may already be familiar with this work.

Timeless wisdom made fresh and accessible.