Summary

In an era of crisis in education and upheaval in knowledge, Dietrich Schwanitz’s Bildung offers a reorientation through the concept of a cultural canon. The book is divided into two distinct parts: ‘Wissen’ (Knowledge) and ‘Können’ (Skills). The first part provides the foundation for ‘citizenship in the land of education,’ covering the history of Europe, major works of literature, the history of art and music, philosophy, and scientific worldviews. The second part moves to application, navigating the house of language, the world of books, writing, and geography. Schwanitz argues that this specific combination of historical awareness and intellectual capability—grounded in the humanities rather than technical sciences—is essential for self-understanding. He examines why modern society, democracy, and science emerged in Europe and suggests that knowing figures like Don Quixote, Hamlet, and Faust is as crucial as knowing historical dates. While the ambition of defining a binding canon is contentious, the handbook serves as a dense, practical guide to acquiring the substance of a cultured education.