The Needs of Strangers

by Michael Ignatieff

This brilliant and penetrating book uncovers a crisis in the political imagination, a wide-spread failure to provide the passionate sense of community "in which our need for belonging can be met". Seeking the answers to fundamental questions, Michael Ignatieff writes vividly both about ideas and about the people who tried to live by them - from Augustine to Bosch, from Rousseau to Simone Weil. Incisive and moving, The Needs of Strangers return to philosophy to its proper place, as a guide to the art of being human.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Politics, Essays, Classics, History

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Michael Grant Ignatieff is a Canadian author, academic and former politician. He was the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition from 2008 until 2011. Known for his work as a historian, Ignatieff has held senior academic posts at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Harvard University and the University of Toronto.

Reviews

[Mesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read anything of this nature since my time in undergrad. It was challenging, but refreshing at times, and with a conclusion that pulled everything together: "We need words to keep us human. Being human is an accomplishment like playing an instrument. It takes practice. The keys must be mastered. The old scores must be committed to memory. It is a skill we can forget. A little noise can make us forget the notes... Our needs are made of words: they come to us in speech, and they can die for lack of expression."

[Yase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would I recommend? I WANT TO SAY YES SO BAD! it is one of my favs... you do need context tho

If you are into philosophy, without a doubt read this. Not only does it have some great points, it relates different names and ideas so neatly that it teaches you how to do so as-well. The linear feel of it, the build up to the conclusion from ground up, from king lear to Rousseau, OBSESSED.

It feels like a great translation of classical thinking to debates on current politics.

[Oz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entry level philosophy with some really interesting links to modern literature (a touch I really enjoyed). I found the first chapter particularly compelling, only critique I can think of is it feels like an exploration of thought, sometimes, rather than a particularly rigorous answer to the question at hand. Maybe his analysis just went over my head though.

[Justin Michael James Dell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If anything, this book is an excellent little primer on the contributions a variety of Western thinkers have made to the issue of social responsibility, especially as it relates to providing for others' needs, starting with St. Augustine and ending with the welfare state in the 20th century. I found Ignatieff's explication of difference (as opposed to sameness and universality) as a necessary precondition to the adequate satisfaction of social needs very thought-provoking. While not calling for the dismantlement of the welfare state, he offers some stinging indictments of its inadequacy.

At times I found Ignatieff somewhat imprecise in his use of language. For example, he sometimes uses the word "desire" in a technical sense as something separate from a "need," but other times he appears to use the word in more of a generic sense. Other than that, this is a splendid little book.

[xinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

there is a lot to say about this book in which he has condensed into less than 150 pages

simmered past the analysis of shakespearean literature, augustinian catholicism, republican economics, art history and greek stoicism and the brief bit of marxism, is human need situated at the center of our connectedness. all the idiosyncrasies that drive and propel people together into the form of society can be seen as some form of the collective need for our individual needs to be fulfilled

ultimately, it is beautifully prosed. some parts can drag but the ideas of language and belongingness and civic duty speak to me as a member of the human species, and of the world at large

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a transcendental standing point the author analyzes how deep our understanding as society of the general needs of humans has evolved and how individuals and the state could develop laws and idiosyncrasies to better satisfy basic needs and even desires if possible, although the historical frame he is describing of developed spiritual needs would not apply to all of the eastern societies

[Benita Kisembo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this for a class and it was one of the hardest books I’ve ever read. Very interesting ideas written like it was supposed to be read by someone with 20 PHDS and an intense devotion to the author lol.

[Ege Strider · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book has prerequisites. So many references that I couldn't understand 75% of the book since I didn't know about "King Lear" and I am not talking about to common facts about the play, more like you need to know details of each line to understand what they mean by reading this book so didn't work for me unfortunately. I am still forcing myself to finish it and its halfly finished so consider that as well while reading my comment.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely an intriguingly little book with some good food for thought. In each chapter Ignatieff presents the concept of need in a different context, some of which I found significantly more interesting than others.

I'm not sure if it was his writing style or if philosophy just isn't for me, but I found the book difficult to get through. Fascinating ideas, whether you agree with them or not, but a slow read.

[Verity · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
As someone who is new to philosophy this was a relatively easy read, apart from (and has been stated before) the tendency to use broad and ill-fitting terms for concepts. Again, I haven’t read King Lear so the first chapter was a blur and required contextual knowledge. Nevertheless, Ignatieff writes beautifully, and his conclusion was very thoughtful and bridged all his ideas together well. Excited to pick this up again when I have a firmer foundation in philosophical reading.

[E.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who hazards the task of tying literature, philosophy, political and social responsibility into everyday application. Ignatieff makes it seem possible.

[Ilsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

the sentences are very dense with ideas not well clothed in graceful satin sounds but the idea and points are awesome...

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better at writing, than politics.

[Eero Wahlstedt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book of political philosophy with a strong humanist message. Short and readable.