Leszek Kolakowski delves into some of the most intellectually vigorous questions of our time in this remarkable collection of essays garnished with his characteristic wit. Ten of the essays have never appeared before in English. "Exemplary.... It should be celebrated." —Arthur C. Danto, _New York Times Book Review_ "This book... express[es] Kolakowski's thought on God, man, reason, history, moral truth and original sin, prompted by observation of the dramatic struggle among Christianity, the Enlightenment and modern totalitarianism. It is a wonderful (...) collection of topics." —Thomas Nagel, _Times Literary Supplement_ "No better antidote to bumper-sticker thinking exists than this collection of 24 'appeals for moderation in consistency,' and never has such an antidote been needed more than it is now." —Joseph Coates, _Chicago Tribune_ "Whether learned or humorous, these essays offer gems in prose of diamond hardness, precision, and brilliance." —Thomas D'Evelyn, _The Christian Science Monitor_ A "Notable Books of the Year 1991" selection, _New York Times Book Review_—a "Noted with Pleasure" selection, _New York Times Book Review_—a "Summer Reading 1991" selection, _New York Times Book Review_—a "Books of the Year" selection, _The Times_. (shrink)