South Korean philosopher Byung-Chul Han, one of the most influential thinkers of our time, has released “Without Respect”, a new essay in which he warns about the decline of one of the virtues that has sustained human coexistence for centuries.
In the book, Han argues that respect is being replaced by narcissism, relentless competition and the excessive self-exposure fostered by the digital world. According to the philosopher, the logic of an uncompromising meritocracy fragments society, turns individuals into rivals and weakens the bonds of trust that are essential for building genuine communities.
“To preserve democracy, virtues such as common sense, responsibility, trust, friendship and respect are essential,” Han stated while accepting the Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities in 2025.
In his latest book, the philosopher argues that restoring respect will be crucial if humanity is to face the ethical, social and technological challenges of the 21st century.
Born in Seoul and now based in Germany, Byung-Chul Han has become a global reference for his analyses of digital capitalism, social media and the culture of performance. Works such as The Burnout Society, Psychopolitics, In the Swarm, and The Crisis of Narration have been translated into dozens of languages and continue to shape debates in philosophy, politics, education and technology. In 2025, he was awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities, further cementing his place among the world’s leading contemporary intellectuals.
With “Without Respect”, Han delivers a clear warning: the future of humanity will depend not only on technological innovation but also on our ability to restore respect as the foundation of life in society.
The Portuguese publisher Relógio d’Água, which publishes Han’s works in Portugal, has already made an excerpt from the book available to readers.
