Another book by Stephane Hessel? Well, yes, but... In this book, an exceptional human being bears witness to the course of his life, particularly the last two decades. Through the key themes that frame contemporary thought, and thanks to an uncommon heart and mind, Hessel provides us with a sensitive, intellectual autobiography unlike any other. His thought process has been enhanced through the exchanges he has carried on for years with such close friends and eminent political and literary figures as Edgar Morin, Jean-Paul Dollé, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, Régis Debray, Peter Sloterdijk, Laure Adler, Michel Rocard, Jean-Claude Carrière and more... He successively addresses the themes of indignation (or outrage as the English edition of his recent best-seller put it) and its limits, compassion, love, admiration, the power of words, political involvement and the definition of democracy.
This profound yet accessible book is intended for everyone who is searching for a way through contemporary contradictions and violence back to our dignity as men and women in an environment ruled by selfish, irresponsible frenzy, and to the deeper meaning of our existence: peace and sharing in a community of citizens of the world.
We are the world that we want to change, as Gandhi said. This book is Stéphane Hessel’s way of encouraging us to reflect on the past in order to better take charge of the fate of our future.