We shall not get out of this circle until it is decided that when exceptional events occur, humanity cannot afford to apply the laws currently in force, but must shoulder the responsibility of sanctioning new ones.

Five Moral Pieces is another collection of Eco's essays and lectures, these are from the 1990s and as suggested by the title refer to plotting a moral course in a world revising its codes and transmitting mediums. The first few weren't encouraging, focusing o a new virtual definition f war and whether it was possible to for the godless to be good. Interesting as always, my spirits were not encouraged until the final two essays: Ur-Fascism and Migration, Tolerance and the Intolerable. Both appear to a response to our daily headlines and the clamor for expulsion from Charlotte to Hamburg.

This thin volume is comprised of five different essays: three which remain powerful to a modern reader, but two which are sadly locked firmly in their time - far too tightly tied to the current events surrounding their creation. "On the Press" and "Migration, Tolerance, and the Intolerable" are best skipped altogether, and would earn no more than 1 or 2 stars if rated on their own. "Reflections on War" and "When the Other Appears on the Scene" are wonderfully written and full of quotable lines and wisdom; both would be solid 4s. "Ur-Fascism", a fairly well known essay all on its own, particularly after the political events of the last decade, is by itself worth the price of acquisition, and should be required reading for everyone: 6 stars.

A timely read, even twenty years later.

Passionate words from a great intellectual. Stimulating and enlightening, Eco speaks with knowledge and tact to address pertinant issues. Although more personally adressed to his countryman, his ideas are internationally relevant.

"Reflections on War" and "Ur-Fascism" stand out.

Ur-Fascism is essential (you can read it for free here https://www.nybooks.com/articles/1995/06/22/ur-fascism/). The other essays are interesting to read in 2018, especially about the media and the potential of the internet (Eco seems to understand that a free internet was at risk of falling victim to exploitative capital to stay "free", which, lol). Some of the essays felt like they were building to a hook that never came, but this wouldn't be the first time I was too stupid to appreciate something Eco was trying to say.

Not as hard to understand as I assumed it would be, going into this. Ur-fascism is an iconic essay that all who are in favor of democracy should read. Eco really hit the nail on the head with “internet populism”, 20 years early (“the emotional response of a selected group of citizens can be presented and accepted as the ‘voice of the people’”). I really enjoyed the essay Migration, Tolerance, and the Intolerable as well.