The Conscience of Words

These essays are, in simple terms, beautiful. Carefully crafted, precise, an astounding work from a literary genius. In these essays, Canetti explores much of his philosophic world both in shorter form (than say his memoirs) and through focusing his energy and craft on singular issues The essays delve into matters ranging from the aftermath of hiroshima to the mind of Speer (Hitler's architect), while also exploring major life topics for Canetti such as the role of crowds in the human psyche and the rule of power. The collection of essays, Das Gewissen der Woerter, is a great place to enter the world of Elias Canetti. Each essay is a gem that once you set your eyes on you can not let go of until having digested it in entirety. When I first began this book it was 10 minutes before I was to meet a friend for lunch. After reading the first paragraph, I was hooked. I ended up missing my lunch date and it was worth it.