Living Philosophies

Six decades ago Albert Einstein contributed a testament to a collection of personal credos edited by Clifton Fadiman. Einstein's still relevant words (``Strange is our situation here upon earth'') provide a springboard for this updated edition garnering the reflections of 35 contemporary thinkers and writers. A wide diversity of opinion, belief and doubts emanate from the voices here, among them those of Mortimer Adler, William F. Buckley Jr., Elie Wiesel, Jeane Fitzpatrick and Elizabeth Longford. From the beleagured theologian Hans Kung, we hear hope; Alistair Cooke hedges his agnosticism, while Nobelist Czeslaw Milosz expresses appreciation of his Catholic heritage. The enlightening colloquies offer intimate glimpses of eminent people questing for the meaning of life. Photos not seen by PW. BOMC alternate. (Sept.)