Author Daniel Schreiber discusses in an interview with Die Zeit how to confront extreme forces in society: with love. In his new book 'Liebe! Ein Aufruf,' he describes a personal realization about losing the ability to love the world.
Daniel Schreiber, a well-known author, discusses his new book Liebe! Ein Aufruf in an interview with Die Zeit. It addresses reconciliation in an increasingly divided society, particularly in the context of right-wing extremism. He emphasizes: "These are people, not enemies."
The book's central insight arose during a walk near Kassel. Just before starting a three-day writing workshop with a small group, Schreiber felt a burden lift. He looked forward to withdrawing from the world of news and politics. "What stress this daily life brings, how much our perception of the world can darken, is often not clear enough to us," he explains.
Schreiber notices this influence especially on walks in nature. The daily stress from media and politics darkens the view of the world and lets the ability to love wither. His book therefore calls for more empathy and reconciliation to counter extremism—not with enmity, but with human closeness.
This interview sheds light on current societal challenges in Germany, where divisions due to extremism are growing. Schreiber's approach highlights the power of love as a remedy.
