Publisher's Synopsis
The book "The 'Other' and the 'Self'" deals with many until recently less discussed aspects in the context of East-West intercultural relations, prompting the reader to grasp the true origins of nationally or religiously motivated myths and stereotypes, their discord with historical information and the contents of a particular society's spiritual and ethical message, as well as their links with the specific character of a particular age, political agenda or system of worldviews and values.
The author shows that the assessment of a "different" culture is often rooted in an external projection of the problems pertaining to one's own society, which becomes apparent only upon taking a closer look at one's "own" as well as the "other" tradition. This leads to an insight regarding the extent to which the world is actually quite unified, considering that seemingly different civilisations have emerged, developed and changed only as a result of mutual connections and influences and the different interpretation of common or similar phenomena. The understanding of right and wrong, explanations of health and illness, attitudes towards sadness and joy, eating and fasting, love and family - all of these form the basis of a more profound understanding of the societies of the East and West, promoting cooperation instead of confrontation for the purpose of preserving the fragile environment and cultural values of our world. "The assessment of a "different" culture is often rooted in an external projection of the problems pertaining to one's own society, which becomes apparent only upon taking a closer look at one's "own" as well as the "other" tradition. This leads to an insight regarding the extent to which the world is actually quite unified, considering that seemingly different civilizations have emerged, developed and changed only as a result of mutual connections and influences and the different interpretation of common or similar phenomena."(Dr. hist. Kaspars Klavins) "Vital, sensitive and remarkable understanding of the intellectual relation between East and West, to reach a better way of thinking and life" - Dr. Flocel Sabaté
