When I read this book, there is a little over 20 years, I found that he had a little too much, in terms of ideas, as a markdown "The helpless soul" Alan Bloom . The difference is that Bloom essentially limited its analysis to the debates that stirred American academic microcosm 70s, while Finky enrolled immediately in a much broader perspective, "civilization," we would say today. But as time passes, the intuitions of Finkielkraut are verified one by one, as anyone can notice it every day. So, whether the author is since then become one of the "sacred cows" media (and better!); regardless, even, that his recent geopolitical positions (on the issue of the Middle East conflict particuiler) are questionable. What matters is that, before many others, he was right on the surrender of the Enlightenment against the excesses "postmodern" and that he had expressed with talent. A book that remains exciting, but it has become difficult to read without feeling a little nostalgia for a time when it still seemed possible to react. Now it has become a rearguard battle. And it is our children who will pay the price.
