Martin Buber’s Philosophical Journey

The Roots of I-Thou

Abstract

Martin Buber, born in Vienna in 1878, underwent formative experiences that profoundly shaped his philosophy, particularly his concept of the I-Thou relationship. His childhood, marked by the serene beauty of the Danube and the traumatic abandonment by his mother, left deep psychological scars but also cultivated resilience and introspection. Buber’s upbringing by his grandparents introduced him to diverse literatures and languages, enhancing his intellectual growth and leading to his deep engagement with mysticism, Hasidism, and Zionism. His philosophical evolution is evident in his influential work, I and Thou, where he articulates the central idea that true human existence is defined through relationships—either as deep, holistic I-Thou encounters or as detached, objectifying I-It interactions. Buber’s philosophy of dialogue extended to spiritual realms, positing God as the “Eternal Thou” and emphasizing relational encounters as the pathway to genuine human and divine connection. Buber’s engagement with the Jewish Renaissance and Zionist movements further reinforced his quest for spiritual and cultural authenticity, synthesizing traditional and modern elements of Jewish thought. His reflections on good and evil, political philosophy, and mysticism reveal a commitment to fostering meaningful human connections and transcending individualistic isolation. Through his life’s work, Buber established a vision of human existence as fundamentally relational, dialogical, and spiritually connected.