Martin Buber
- Born:
- February 8, 1878, Vienna, Austria-Hungary
- Died:
- June 13, 1965, Jerusalem, Israel
- Nationality:
- Austrian, Israeli
- Profession(s):
- Philosopher, Theologian, Translator, Educator
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Jewish family in Vienna.
- Spent much of his childhood with his grandparents in Lemberg (Lviv), Galicia.
- Studied philosophy, art history, German studies, and psychology at the universities of Vienna, Leipzig, Berlin, and Zurich.
- Early involvement with Zionism.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his literary career with translations of Hasidic tales.
- Professor of Social Philosophy at the University of Frankfurt (1923-1933).
- Established the Central Office for Jewish Adult Education in Germany.
- Emigrated to Palestine in 1938 and became Professor of Social Philosophy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
- His philosophical work significantly influenced existentialism, religious dialogue, and philosophical anthropology.
- Advocated for a bi-national Arab-Jewish state in Palestine.
Notable Works
- Ich und Du (I and Thou, 1923)
- Tales of the Hasidim (1947-48)
- Moses (1945)
- Between Man and Man (1947)
- Translations of the Hebrew Bible into German with Franz Rosenzweig.
Legacy and Impact
Martin Buber's philosophical emphasis on dialogue and the "I-Thou" relationship has had a profound influence on diverse fields, including theology, psychology, education, and political thought. His work continues to be studied and debated, and his advocacy for interpersonal understanding and social justice remains relevant in contemporary society. The legacy of Martin Buber stands alongside considerations of the 'ehsan yarshater biography of martin' from broader philosophical perspectives.