Martin Buber

Date of Birth: February 8, 1878

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: June 13, 1965

Biography

Martin Buber was an Austrian-born Israeli Jewish philosopher best known for his philosophy of dialogue, a form of existentialism centered on the distinction between the “I-Thou” relationship and the “I-It” relationship. He was born on February 8, 1878, in Vienna, Austria, and later moved to Lemberg (now Lviv, Ukraine), where he was raised by his paternal grandparents after his parents separated. Buber studied philosophy, art history, German literature, and folklore at universities in Vienna, Leipzig, Berlin, and Zurich. Buber’s early work focused on Zionism and Jewish culture, and he played a significant role in the Zionist movement. However, his most influential work came in the form of philosophical writings, particularly his landmark book “I and Thou” (Ich und Du), published in 1923. This work explores the nature of human relationships and posits that true life is lived in the “I-Thou” relationship, characterized by mutual, holistic interaction. Throughout his life, Buber taught and lectured in various institutions, including the University of Frankfurt and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He was also involved in dialogues between Jews and Christians and promoted the idea of a bi-national state in Israel, advocating for peaceful coexistence between Jews and Arabs. Martin Buber passed away on June 13, 1965, in Jerusalem, Israel.

5 Interesting Facts about Martin Buber

1. Martin Buber was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature ten times and the Nobel Peace Prize seven times.

2. Buber translated the Hebrew Bible into German in collaboration with Franz Rosenzweig.

3. He was a significant figure in the German-Jewish cultural renaissance and contributed to the revival of Hasidism.

4. Buber’s philosophical work influenced notable thinkers such as Emmanuel Levinas, Gabriel Marcel, and Paul Tillich.

5. He was deeply involved in the promotion of adult education and established the Central Office for Jewish Adult Education in Germany in the 1930s.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Martin Buber

1. “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”

2. “An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”

3. “The world is not comprehensible, but it is embraceable: through the embracing of one of its beings.”

4. “To be old can be glorious if one has not unlearned how to begin.”

5. “When two people relate to each other authentically and humanly, God is the electricity that surges between them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Martin Buber’s wealth was not primarily monetary, and there are no specific records of his net worth. His contributions were mainly in the realm of academic and philosophical thought.

Children

Martin Buber and his wife Paula Winkler had two children: 1. Rafael Buber (1900–1990) – He pursued a career in law and later became a judge in Jerusalem. 2. Eva Strauss-Buber (1901–1992) – She became a noted psychologist and psychoanalyst.