To read Mochtar Buchori's essays on Indonesian politics and culture is to be led into a perspective on national life that is provocative, yet eloquent and gentle-minded. However critical his assessments may be, Mochtar's reasoning and arguments invariably evidence great respect for other's views. It is immensely difficult to capture Mochtar Buchori's spirit and the humanity of his vision for Indonesia in a brief Preface to this contemplative volume. Only a reading of Mochtar's essays will impress readers with his common sense analyses of Indonesian national life. Mochtar Buchori is deeply troubled by a number of trends in Indonesian society and he focuses his writing around several broad themes; the lack of political responsibility and lack of competent government, a poor educational system that ill prepares young Indonesians for the future, and the need to maintain religious and social tolerance and the importance of celebrating Indonesia's diversity.