Fred Dallmayr has experienced both dark and light times in the course of his long and fruitful career, and I am very happy that he has brought his insights, as one of the world’s leading political theorists, to an exploration of the current political climate, which is indeed dire. But he also, as is characteristic of him, brings hope for the future. leaving us, at the end of our reading, refreshed and invigorated for the struggles that lie ahead.

William L. McBride, Purdue University

Highly aware of all the harms that politics can cause, in these wide ranging reflections Fred Dallmayr asks the central question about the proper purpose of politics in human life. As his historical reflections illustrate, politics in dark times is nothing new but we might be able to draw some lessons from historical precedents. Deeply informed by a rich variety of past and contemporary philosophical and spiritual sources, he discusses the related question about what sort of political education is needed for a better politics, one that recognizes human beings in the round and that fulfills the potential of political life to foster flourishing, or at least to do as little harm as possible. Drawing these themes together, the book includes some reflections on the lessons that should be drawn from the COVID 19 pandemic.

Ruth Abbey, Swinburne University

In this brilliant book Fred Dallmayr, from his deeply humanistic ethical position, provides an uncompromising critical assessment of the current world situation of “dark times,” characterized by global problems, polarization, hegemony, wars, and incivility, aggravated by the global pandemic. Contrary to the mood of fear and despair, Dallmayr evinces the courage to hope and to search for alternatives—through the awakening of the global consciousness and mobilization of the intellectual-spiritual resources of both Western and Eastern religious and philosophical traditions for human transformation or “metanoia,” aspiring to the cosmopolis of peace and justice to come.

Edward Demenchonok, Fort Valley State University

In these bleakest of times, Fred Dallmayr offers us redemptive hope. Anchored in ancient philosophy and the Christian Catholic tradition, his fusion of different faith traditions with contemporary thought renews the legacy of a generous, holistic humanism. What emerges is a vision full of wisdom theoretical and practical—on the co-being of humanity and the natural universe rather the human destruction of nature, on self-restraint rather avarice or vainglory, on soulcraft rather than statecraft. Dallmayr is as hard-headed in attacking the idols of our age—rampant materialism, nationalism and ecological devastation—as he is tender-hearted in promoting a plural search for the good life. An inspiring, beautiful book that is essential reading for all interested in radical renewal.

Adrian Pabst, co-author of The Politics of Virtue: Post-liberalism and the Human Future

Fred Dallmayr’s Political Life in Dark Times is a much-needed balm during an unprecedentedly challenging moment. Dallmayr’s writings have long inspired scholars and animated important debates within the field of political theory. In that same vein, Dallmayr tackles the question of political education through the lenses of thinkers as diverse as Socrates, Thomas More, Maritain, Merleau-Ponty, Benjamin, Heidegger, Erasmus and Gandhi. In this wide-ranging and beautiful book, Dallmayr encourages us to reconsider what political education entails as we face multiple overlapping crises, offering exemplary forms of ethical reflection to guide us through these challenges.

Farah Godrej, University of California, Riverside