Advanced Praise for Werner Krieglstein:
Compassionate Thinking, An Introduction to Philosophy
1. In his new book, Compassionate Thinking, Werner Krieglstein combines his thorough knowledge of Western philosophy with his passion for building a better world. The result is a unique and fascinating book, combining a highly readable introduction to philosophy for both student and layperson with the personal story of a man searching for answers to universal questions.
Riane Eisler, author of The Chalice and The Blade, Sacred Pleasure, and The Power of Partnership
2. As a manifestation of real humanism, Professor Krieglstein’s writings have become well known and play a crucial role in philosophical circles. While on one side almost gentle and full of poetic compassion, his reflections are some of the deepest in the contemporary intellectual world. Krieglstein’s work performs Leszek Kolakowski’s principle of metanoia, “which can save civilization.” Krieglstein’s work provides a fundamentally new direction in our ongoing search for a universalist meta-philosophy.
Professor Janusz Kuczynski, co-founder and honorary president of ISU, Editor-in-Chief of Dialogue and Universalism, a Philosophical Journal published by the Polish Academy of Science and ISUD
3. This is the way philosophy ought to be talked about. This is the way it should be taught. I say "should be taught", not as if it would be nice and moral and splendid thing to do, which is true enough, but because that is what philosophy is. You've captured its essential spirit, for it belongs, as you say Socrates pioneered it, on the street corners and other public places, as well as in the kitchen.
A fine and thrilling piece of work. Exciting, exploratory, intellectually honest to a degree not often seen, and compelling. Compassionate Thinking is a serious, insightful, provocative, and useful text. The perspectivism that you espouse is clearly a very intelligent way to look at and analyze the course of Western philosophy.
Professor Emeritus John Rensenbrink, President, International Society for Universal Dialogue
4. Werner Krieglstein’s Compassionate Philosophy is a well thought out guide to the beginning student and also to general readers interested in various philosophical topics ranging from the Pre-Socratic thinkers to Marxism. The text provides a succinct and an accessible introduction to the major areas of philosophy. The conversational tone of the book is inviting to the readers in exploring the array of philosophical themes presented by the author.
Werner Krieglstein’s discussion of the major figures in the history of philosophy and investigation of the central problems of philosophy are valuable contributions to the ongoing endeavor of philosophy. Writing from his direct experience of one of the most fertile philosophical field, the Critical Theory of the Frankfurt School, Werner Krieglstein provides a balanced perspective of the historical development of philosophical analysis. The thematic organization of the book has much to commend in engaging the interest of the readers and in sustaining a continuous philosophical dialogue.
Professor Hyun Höchsmann, Department of Philosophy and Religion, New Jersey City University
