Martin Buber

"About what mainly constituted what you ask, it was something other. It was just a certain inclination to meet people. And as far as possible, to change something in the other, but also to let me be changed by him. At any event, I had no resistance, I put no resistance to it. I already began as a young man. I felt I have not the right to want to change another if I am not open to be changed by him as far as it is legitimate."

5 likes

Source: Martin Buber (1997). “Israel and the World: Essays in a Time of Crisis”, p.142, Syracuse University Press

About the author

Martin Buber

Martin Buber

Philosopher

Martin Buber was a Jewish philosopher known for his work on dialogue and relationships, particularly through his concept of 'I-Thou'.

All quotes by Martin Buber →

Same author

More quotes by Martin Buber

See all →
Martin Buber Philosopher

"When people come to you for help, do not turn them off with pious words, saying, 'Have faith and take your troubles to God.' Act instead as though there were no God, as though there were only one person in the world who could help -- only yourself."

Read quote
Martin Buber Philosopher

"I do not accept any absolute formulas for living. No preconceived code can see ahead to everything that can happen in a man's life. As we live, we grow and our beliefs change. They must change. So I think we should live with this constant discovery. We should be open to this adventure in heightened awareness of living. We should stake our whole existence on our willingness to explore and experience."

Read quote
Martin Buber Philosopher

"In spite of all similarities, every living situation has, like a newborn child, a new face, that has never been before and will never come again. It demands of you a reaction that cannot be prepared beforehand. It demands nothing of what is past. It demands presence, responsibility; it demands you."

Read quote