New German Edition of Toynbee-Ikeda Dialogue Published
New German edition of Choose Life: A Dialogue
A new German edition of Choose Life: A Dialogue (German title: Wähle das Leben! Ein Dialog), the dialogue between renowned British historian Dr. Arnold J. Toynbee and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, has been released by Verlag Herder, a leading publishing house in Germany.
Verlag
Herder previously published the German edition of The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin as well as several of Mr. Ikeda’s
dialogues with prominent thinkers. This new release is a reissue of the German
edition, first published by a different publisher in 1982.
The dialogue
between Dr. Toynbee and Mr. Ikeda came about at Dr. Toynbee’s request. Their
first meeting took place at Dr. Toynbee’s home in London on May 5, 1972. At the
time, Europe, having been the battleground of two world wars, remained divided
amid the tensions of the Cold War, centered on the United States and the Soviet
Union.
In this
context, the two explored the fundamental nature of human existence from both
Eastern and Western perspectives, exchanging views on a wide range of subjects,
from religion and science to politics and disarmament, with a shared concern
for how humankind might choose life.
The two met
again the following year, engaging in some 40 hours of discussion during their
meetings in 1972 and 1973.
Dr. Toynbee (right) and Mr. Ikeda on the final day of their dialogue at the former’s home (London, May 19, 1973)
On May 19,
1973, the final day of their dialogue, British television was reporting on a
meeting between the leader of the Soviet Union and the West German chancellor,
figures representing opposing Cold War blocs. Reflecting on the news, Dr.
Toynbee observed that while their own exchange might not be attracting public
attention, it was their dialogue that could open the path to lasting peace for
future generations. He encouraged Mr. Ikeda to continue conducting dialogues
that could help unite humanity.
Inspired by
these words, Mr. Ikeda went on to meet with numerous world leaders and
thinkers, steadfastly pursuing dialogues that could bridge differences and
connect people across the globe.
Even after
half a century, Choose
Life continues to serve as a compass, illuminating the path toward a
more humane and peaceful future.
The book is
organized into three sections—Personal and Social Life, Political and
International Life, and Philosophical and Religious Life—in which the authors
exchange insights on enduring global issues such as the role of religion, the
environmental crisis, health and welfare, and political systems.
Ultimately,
Dr. Toynbee and Mr. Ikeda conclude with hope: that since it is human beings who
have created the complex challenges confronting humanity, it must also be
within the power of human wisdom to transform them.
[Adapted from an
article in the September 23, 2025, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]
