Embracing the web of multi-culturalism that has become a fact of contemporary life from New York to New Delhi, Eco argues that we are more connected to people of other traditions and customs than ever before, making tolerance the ultimate value in today's world.

What good, he asks in a talk delivered during the Gulf War, does war do in a world where the flow of goods, services, and information is unstoppable, and the enemy is always behind the lines? What makes news today, who decides how it will be presented and how does the way it is disseminated contribute to the widespread disillusionment with politics in general? In one of the most personal of the essays, Eco recalls experiencing liberation from fascism in Italy as a boy, and examines the various historical forms of fascism, always with an eye toward such ugly manifestations today. And finally, in an intensely personal open letter to an Italian Cardinal, Eco reflects on a question underlying all the reflections in the book - what does it mean to be moral or ethical when one doesn't believe in God?

As thoughtful and subtle as they are pragmatic and relevant, these essays present one of the world's most important thinkers at the height of his critical powers.

'Passionately argued and deeply engaged - Eco's writing has a unique ability to dance on the page and to resonate in the mind' Daily Telegraph

About the Author
Umberto Eco (1932-2016) wrote fiction, literary criticism and philosophy. His first novel, The Name of the Rose, was a major international bestseller. His other works include Foucault's Pendulum, The Island of the Day Before, Baudolino, The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana, The Prague Cemetery and Numero Zero along with many brilliant collections of essays.

Reviews
A big hitter takes on big ethical issues... Eco sits himself down in the modern marketplace and notices what is really going on * The Times *
For the sheer depth and clarity of his learning and wisdom, Eco has no living rival * Harpers & Queen *
Eco is one of the most influential thinkers of our time * Los Angeles Times *
Cogently argued and periodically sparkles with the kind of wit and insight that readers have come to expect from one of Italy's brightest minds * Library Journal *



Book Information
ISBN 9780099276968
Author Umberto Eco
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint Vintage
Publisher Vintage Publishing
Weight(grams) 96g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 7mm