For those seeking to understand our times Hannah Arendt has become a guide and an inspiration. Her penetrating observations of the modern world, based on a profound knowledge of the past, constitute a major contribution to political philosophy.

ln Between Past and Future Arendt describes the pelplexing crises modern society faces as a result of the loss of meaning of the traditional key words of politics: justice, reason, responsibility, virtue, glory. Then, through a series of eight exercises, she shows how we can redistill once more the vital essence of these traditional concepts and use them to appraise our present position and regain a frame of reference for the future. To participate in these exercises is to associate, in action, with one of the most original and fruitful minds of our time.