Martin Buber in Palestine/Israel
This is an Open Thread / Coffee Hour and all topics of conversation are welcome. Today the suggested topic is Martin Buber’s philosophy of dialogue and Empathy Circles. And as a bonus I’m going to share a short time travel story that my friend ChatGPT and I made up about visiting Buber in 1923.
Last week Marko the Werelynx introduced me to an inspirational book called I and Thou by Martin Buber. I say inspirational because from its opening paragraph it drew me in with its simple concept of how the self relates to the world. I and Thou is one form of engagement and I and it encompasses what remains.
Buber argues that our conventional interpretation of self (I) and our relationship with another person (thou) is not two separate things. He asserts that there can only be a I in relation to the thou. And that this blended relationship of I-Thou is what he calls a primary word.
His I-Thou is defined as an intimate relations that through dialog is distinctly different that the I-It relationship. His I-Thou concept is not just limited to relationships with other people. He shows us that we can achieve a similar relationship with our pets or garden. Even the world or the universe.
PRIMARY WORDS DO NOT SIGNIFY THINGS, but they intimate relations. Primary words do not describe something that might exist independently of them, but being spoken they bring about existence.
I and Thou, Trans. Smith (p. 12). Kindle Edition.
What strikes me is the independence and simplicity of his approach to our place in the universe. It is independent because his insight, I think, could be discovered at any time or any place by anyone. It is an approach that transcends all other “historical” revelations such as found in Religious writings and there modern encroachments such as Project 2025.
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In preparing this article I had a conversation with ChatGPT about empathy circles and I wondered if the AI could write a story about Buber’s reaction to empathy circles. Through our discussion, I guided the AI by providing insights and clarifications on the iterative nature of empathy circles, which helped refine the story. This collaborative effort allowed the story to embody the principles of empathy and dialogical relationships as envisioned by Martin Buber. Below is the story.
One sunny afternoon, you find yourself in possession of a peculiar device, a small, intricate time machine. Fascinated by the possibilities, you decide to travel back to the early 20th century to meet Martin Buber, the renowned philosopher known for his work on dialogical relationships and the "I-Thou" concept.
With a flash of light, you arrive in Vienna in the year 1923, just after Buber published his seminal work "I and Thou." You quickly make your way through the cobblestone streets to a modest but cozy apartment where Buber lives and works.
You knock on the door, and it opens to reveal a middle-aged man with kind eyes and a thoughtful expression. Introducing yourself, you explain that you have traveled from the future and wish to discuss his ideas and show him a modern practice called an Empathy Circle. Intrigued, Buber invites you in.
After a brief explanation of your time travel and the concept of the Empathy Circle, you set up a small group demonstration. Alongside Buber, a few of his colleagues join in, curious about this novel idea.
The circle begins with you explaining the process: each person will take turns speaking, sharing their thoughts and feelings in small segments. The listener will then reflect back what they heard, ensuring they understand before the speaker continues.
Buber listens intently as the first participant begins to speak. After sharing a few thoughts, the listener reflects back, capturing the essence of what was said. The speaker continues, diving deeper into their thoughts, and the cycle of speaking and reflecting continues.
As the Empathy Circle progresses, you notice Buber's eyes lighting up. He is fully engaged, participating with a sense of deep curiosity and appreciation. When it is his turn to speak, he shares his thoughts on the importance of genuine human connection and the transformative power of dialogue. The listener reflects back, and Buber nods, visibly moved by the experience.
In this timeless moment, the room feels suspended in a state of flow, where the participants are so engrossed in the dialogue that time seems to vanish. Buber appears to be experiencing what he had often described in his work: a state where genuine encounter transcends the constraints of time and space, creating a sense of timelessness.
After the session concludes, Buber turns to you with a warm smile. "This practice you have shown us," he begins, "is a beautiful embodiment of the 'I-Thou' relationship. It is remarkable how it fosters presence, mutual understanding, and genuine encounter. The iterative process of speaking and reflecting ensures that both parties are fully present, engaged in a living dialogue that transcends mere words."
He continues, "In this Empathy Circle, I see my ideas brought to life in a practical, transformative way. The act of listening and reflecting back creates a space where individuals can truly meet each other, suspending past judgments and future concerns to engage fully in the present moment. This is the essence of the 'I-Thou' relationship."
You discuss further how Empathy Circles are used in the future to build stronger communities, resolve conflicts, and deepen personal relationships. Buber is delighted by the thought that his philosophical concepts have found such a profound and practical application.
"Moreover," he adds, "the sense of flow and timelessness experienced in the Empathy Circle is a testament to the power of genuine dialogue. When we are truly present with one another, time ceases to be relevant. We are immersed in the depth of the moment, experiencing a connection that is both profound and transformative."
Before you depart, Buber thanks you for sharing this practice with him. "You have given me a glimpse of a future where my ideas continue to inspire and transform. It is a gift to see how the principles of presence and genuine dialogue can be nurtured through such a simple yet powerful practice."
With a grateful heart, you bid farewell to Martin Buber, knowing that your encounter has enriched both his understanding and your appreciation of his work. As you step back into the time machine and return to the present, you carry with you the profound insights and the joy of having shared a meaningful connection across time.
Story by Jonathan Gordon (linkage) with the help of ChatGPT
This article is only scratching the surface on Buber’s philosophy, and I plan to write more about it in the future.
Regards,
Jonathan
