Pierre Manent Boeken

The book features autobiographical and philosophical essays presented through insightful interviews, offering a deep dive into the work of a prominent contemporary political philosopher. It chronicles the author's journey from critiquing modernity to exploring its roots in ancient Greek political thought. Personal anecdotes illuminate postwar France, contrasting his father's Communist ideals with American influences, and highlight his formative experiences at a provincial lycée and the prestigious École Normale Supérieure during the upheaval of 1968. Additionally, it discusses the emergence of a Tocquevillean school of thought in France.

Exploring the philosophical divide between the "City of God" and the "City of Man," Pierre Manent argues that the modern West has chosen human autonomy over divine laws. This decision, he suggests, has led to a profound loss of understanding regarding human nature. Through a nuanced examination of Western intellectual and political conditions, Manent critiques the pursuit of freedom that ultimately disconnects individuals from their inherent humanity.

Focusing on the evolution of liberalism, Pierre Manent examines how modern liberal democracies grapple with social tensions and the implications of secularism, individualism, and rights. He argues that the democratic state's limitations in advancing social causes stem from its morally neutral stance, which fails to recognize a higher political purpose. Through concise essays, Manent delves into the decline of theological politics, offering a critical analysis of the foundations and challenges facing contemporary liberal thought.

Exploring the Machiavellian roots of modernity and Tocqueville's insights on democracy, this work delves into the political influence of Christianity and the essence of totalitarianism. It also contemplates the future of the nation-state while reflecting on modern freedom and its inherent challenges. The book presents a profound examination of contemporary society, making significant contributions to both political philosophy and our understanding of modern liberty and its discontents.

The book critiques the widespread belief that society would thrive without national politics, proposing instead that this notion is an illusion. Manent explores the fantasy of a world where democratic values exist independently of national contexts, suggesting that such a scenario could lead to a utopia governed only by law and morality. He examines the implications of dissolving borders and the rise of supranational entities like the European Union, questioning whether liberation from political constraints can truly lead to a better existence.

Pierre Manent is one of France's leading political philosophers. This first English translation of his profound and strikingly original book La loi naturelle et les droits de l'homme is a reflection on the central question of the Western political tradition.

Exploring the philosophical depth of Montaigne's Essays, Pierre Manent highlights the subtle unity and radical ideas within the text. By comparing Montaigne to modern thinkers like Machiavelli and Rousseau, he examines the implications of a life devoid of state influence, a question pertinent to today's society. Manent emphasizes Montaigne's insights into the human condition, particularly his reinterpretations of virtue, pleasure, and mortality, ultimately presenting a new model for thoughtful living that underscores Montaigne's significance in modern philosophy.

The essay explores contemporary crises by analyzing Shakespeare's Coriolanus and Julius Caesar, offering insights from a prominent figure in European political philosophy. Through this literary lens, the author examines themes of power, governance, and human conflict, connecting historical narratives to modern political challenges. The work provides a thoughtful critique of societal issues, making it relevant for those interested in the intersection of literature and political thought.

Kam jsme se vlastně dostali? Z jedné strany na nás tlačí náš starý národ, který nechceme opustit, a z druhé nová Evropa, jejíž součástí se chceme stát, a nevíme jak. Zastupitelská vláda má být nahrazena „demokratickým vládnutím“, které nám ani nevládne, ani nás nezastupuje. Lhostejně přihlížíme, jak se náš politický život rozkládá, protože se živíme iluzí o nějakém sjednoceném lidstvu, které bude držet pohromadě bez jakékoli politické formy. A už dávno nevíme, co si počít s náboženstvím. Jak dát této krizi naší společné existence smysl? Pierre Manent zkoumá dávné i nedávné dějiny národa, způsob, jak národ vstřebal a pěstoval demokracii a jak dnes jeho zánik ohrožuje samu tuto demokracii. Upozorňuje na paradoxní situaci náboženství, jehož brzký konec se v jednom kuse ohlašuje, a přitom je naše politické prostředí stále více ovlivňováno náboženskými třenicemi. Evropa by už dál neměla být „oblastí nízkého tlaku“, kde máme strach z vlastního stínu. Tento esej chce přispět k oživení povědomí a znalosti duchovních zdrojů, díky nimž má Evropa svou živoucí kontinuitu.