By Richard David Precht
Spiegel & Grau, $16.00, 282 pages
Who am I? Do I have a purpose? What is the meaning of life? These are just a few of the mammoth questions philosopher Richard David Precht confronts in his book Who Am I? And If so, How Many? From the inner workings of the human brain to discussions of morality and ethics, this uncommonly down-to-earth book examines what it means to be a human being.
A highly informative, exceptionally well written peek into almost everything, Who Am I? And If so, How Many? is a brilliant combination of neuroscience, classical philosophy and truly enjoyable writing. Precht’s thorough and unflinching exploration of controversial issues like abortion and active euthanasia pointedly explore multiple perspectives without labeling any of them as right or wrong. The book focuses on promoting thought and discussion, not on advocating or condemning a particular point of view. Precht’s elegant writing moves the reader’s attention expertly between his many different subjects and his lack of pretension ensures that anyone with a curious mind can understand and enjoy this fascinating book.
Elizabeth Goss
This has been a bestselling book in Germany for quite some time now. I read it in the original German version and was fascinated by it. I know for a fact that translations don’t write themselves, nor do authors accomplish such a task by themselves. In fact, it is hard work. As you are so full of praise about this “elegant writing”, may I ask you who conveyed the style of the original to your language? A bad translation can destroy the author’s work, but obviously this person that you never mentioned did a really good job?
Dear anglogermantranslations,
You make an excellent point. I was remiss in not acknowledging the skilled work of Shelley Frisch in my initial review. A translator of numerous books from German, and author of The Lure of the Linguistic, Shelley Frisch has ensured that Who Am I ? is an accessible and beautiful read. Thank you for your comment.
Elizabeth Goss