An Analysis of Martin Buber's I and Thou

Martin Buber-s I and Thou argues that humans engage with the world in two ways. One is with the attitude of an -I- towards an -It-, where the self stands apart from objects as items of experience or use. The other is with the attitude of an -I- towards a -Thou-, where the self enters into real relation with other people, or nature, or God.
Addressing modern technological society, Buber claims that while the -I-It- attitude is necessary for existence, human life finds its meaning in personal relationships of the -I-Thou- sort. I and Thou is Buber-s masterpiece, the basis of his religious philosophy of dialogue, and among the most influential studies of the human condition in the 20th century.