An Analysis of Martin Buber's I and Thou

Martin Bubers I and Thou argues that humans engage with the world in two ways. One is with the attitude of an I towards an It, where the self stands apart from objects as items of experience or use. The other is with the attitude of an I towards a Thou, where the self enters into real relation with other people, or nature, or God. Addressing modern technological society, Buber claims that while the I-It attitude is necessary for existence, human life finds its meaning in personal relationships of the I-Thou sort. I and Thou is Bubers masterpiece, the basis of his religious philosophy of dialogue, and among the most influential studies of the human condition in the 20th century.