This volume is comparative philosophy exemplified – generative, lucid, gripping, and provoking. Drawing on classical traditions from around the globe and applying them to contemporary philosophical and political questions, these essays together provide a variety of ways of thinking about harmony as a virtue and a value, as well as ways in which the search for harmony might actually contribute to the ongoing ills of this world. Harmony, this volume shows us, is a concept that connects self and world, aesthetics and politics, intuition and reason and the heart-mind. We may only hope it does so for the good.

Yarran Hominh, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Bard College, USA

In modern western thought, the concept of Harmony remains severely under theorized, either restricted to aesthetics, or when used in other domains, understood naively, almost unthinkingly as conflict-free agreement. This important book opens up new avenues of inquiry that show that harmony is rich, complex, multivalent and internally dissonant, with immense moral resonance for both individuals and societies. A compelling collection of essays.

Rajeev Bhargava, Honorary Fellow and Founder Director, Parekh Institute of Indian Thought, CSDS, Delhi, India