We Who Are Here Now

In this extraordinary volume, Jostein Gaarder steps away from traditional fiction to speak directly to the reader as a philosophical companion. Looking back at his childhood, his relationships, and his lifelong fascination with the cosmos, he contemplates a stunning existential reality: out of billions of years of cosmic history, we—the living generation—are the incredibly lucky ones experiencing the universe right now. Blending personal anecdotes with urgent ecological philosophy, Gaarder addresses climate change and biodiversity, arguing that our temporary presence on Earth grants us a supreme moral duty to preserve the living world for those who will inherit it after we are gone.

A Philosophical Testament: It serves as a beautifully distilled summation of Gaarder’s worldview, bringing together his signature sense of wonder and lifelong wisdom.

Combines Existentialism with Ecology: It reframes the environmental crisis not just as a political issue, but as a profound spiritual and existential responsibility.

Intimate and Inspiring: Written with a conversational warmth that makes complex philosophical reflections feel deeply personal, accessible, and urgent.

Young Adults and Adults (Ages 15+): Readers looking for an inspiring, life-affirming text that inspires gratitude for the mere fact of being alive.

Environmentalists and Thinkers: Anyone seeking a philosophical and ethical framework for climate action and planetary stewardship.

Dedicated Gaarder Fans: Readers eager to connect with the author on a more personal, autobiographical, and direct level.