Cultural representation in transnational Europe

by Zygmunt Bauman

In this “adventure called Europe” there is another possibility: that of staying together, bound by the web of mutual, “lateral” responsabilities, founded and manifested in continuous dialog (lacking or reduntant in atomist “liberalism”), and not in an oppressive and binding consensus (the poison of “illiberal community spirit”) – a dialog which aims, not at unanimity but at reciprocal comprehension and acceptance, not at tolerance but solidarity, not at identity but at the reciprocal benefits of our differences. Only through this manner of living together free individuals can find security without sacrificing their freedom.
A utopian vision? Maybe, but life without a utopia is like a ship without a compass.