Martin Buber’s I-It Relationship

Martin Buber’s famous work titled I and Thou centers around the distinction between two modes of relating to the world: the “I-Thou” and the “I-It” relationships. While the “I-Thou” relationship involves mutual recognition and respect between the individual and the other, the “I-It” relationship involves objectification and manipulation. In this article, we will explore Buber’s concept of the “I-It” relationship in detail.

The “I-It” relationship is characterized by the reduction of the other to an object or a thing. In this relationship, the individual relates to the other not as a unique and valuable being, but rather as a means to an end. The other is seen as an object to be used or manipulated in order to achieve the individual’s own goals and desires.

Buber argues that the “I-It” relationship is inherently dehumanizing, as it reduces the other to an object devoid of any intrinsic value or dignity. In the “I-It” relationship, the individual does not recognize the other as a unique and valuable being, but rather as a mere object that can be used and discarded at will. This objectification creates a sense of alienation and disconnection between the individual and the world around them.

According to Buber, the “I-It” relationship is the dominant mode of relating in modern society. In our technology-driven world, we often view the world and the people in it as objects to be manipulated and controlled for our own benefit. We see others as tools to be used to achieve our own goals, rather than as fellow human beings with their own desires and aspirations.

The “I-It” relationship can manifest in a variety of ways in our lives. In our personal relationships, we may objectify others by using them for our own pleasure or treating them as a means to an end. In our professional lives, we may view our colleagues or employees as objects to be used to achieve our own success or advancement. In our relationship with nature, we may view the natural world as a resource to be exploited for our own benefit.

Buber believed that the “I-It” relationship was not only dehumanizing but also ultimately unsatisfying. When we view the world and the people in it as mere objects to be used and manipulated, we deprive ourselves of the potential for meaningful connection and genuine relationship.

In contrast, the “I-Thou” relationship involves mutual recognition and respect between the individual and the other. In this relationship, the individual sees the other as a unique and valuable being and recognizes their intrinsic worth and dignity. The “I-Thou” relationship is characterized by a deep sense of connection and intimacy, which is essential to human flourishing and meaningful existence.

Buber believed that cultivating the “I-Thou” relationship was essential to overcoming the alienation and disconnection of modern society. He emphasized the importance of genuine dialogue and authentic presence in our relationships with others and the world around us. In the “I-Thou” relationship, there is no manipulation or objectification; instead, there is a deep sense of connection and mutual recognition.

In conclusion, the I-It relationship is a mode of relating to the world that involves objectification and manipulation of the other. This relationship is dehumanizing and ultimately unsatisfying, as it deprives us of the potential for meaningful connection and genuine relationship. Buber believed that the “I-Thou” relationship, characterized by mutual recognition and respect, was the key to human flourishing and meaningful existence. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a sense of presence and engaging in genuine dialogue in order to create meaningful relationships and overcome the alienation of modern society.