The Afterlife of Moses: Exile, Democracy, Renewal

Michael P. Steinberg reflects on the story of Moses and the Exodus as a foundational myth of politics, arguing that it has been depersonalized and abstracted into a modern history of political beginnings. He suggests that the critique of myths of origin is a key principle of democratic government, affect, and citizenship, and that their endurance and fragility are important to consider.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In this captivating and deeply personal exploration, Michael P. Steinberg delves into the story of Moses and the Exodus as a fundamental myth of politics, shaping the formation of a political community rooted in universal law rather than the establishment of a nation. Throughout history, modern interpretations of this tale, ranging from Michelangelo to Spinoza to Freud to Schoenberg to Derrida, have embraced its complexities, recognizing its power to both critique and self-critique. These literal retellings form the first level of Moses' afterlife, weaving a persistent critical and self-critical thread into European and transatlantic art and discourse. At the same time, they pave the way for Steinberg's second argument, which involves the depersonalization of the Moses and Exodus story, its gradual abstraction and modulation into a diverse modern history of political beginnings. Steinberg emphasizes that beginnings, distinct from origins, are inherently human and historical. Political constitutions, as manifestations of beginnings, imply the inevitability of their renewals and reconstructions over time.

Motivated in part by recent reactionary insurgencies in the United States, Europe, and Israel, this astute work of intellectual history posits the critique of myths of origin as a central principle of democratic government, influence, and citizenship. It explores the endurance and fragility of these myths while advocating for a more nuanced understanding of political origins and their role in shaping societies.

Through his meticulous scholarship and insightful analysis, Michael P. Steinberg offers a profound exploration of the Moses and Exodus story, shedding light on its enduring significance in shaping the political landscape of the world. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of political theory and history, providing a fresh perspective on the origins of democracy and citizenship.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503632295