What is a people? the Frankfurt "Germanists' Assembly" of 1846 and the self-understanding of the humanities in the Vormèarz -- On the public use of history -- Learning from catastrophe? a look back at the short twentieth century -- The postnational constellation and the future of democracy -- Remarks on legitimation through human rights -- Conceptions of modernity: a look back at two traditions -- The differing rhythms of philosophy and politics: Herbert Marcuse at 100 -- An argument against human cloning: three replies.