Whence and Whither Musing on What Next

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In this book the author mulls over many kinds of theme: contemporary concerns over trading in armaments, interference and intervention; discussion of authors such as Francis Fukuyama, J.M. Coetzee and Graham Greene; the latest views about the human species, and the work of Simon Schama on landscape and memory. As always, she is deeply interested in history and the ethical import of whatever she explores.

As a student Margaret Chatterjee read Modern Greats (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) at Oxford where she was awarded an Exhibition at Somerville College. Subsequently she did intensive research on Gandhi's life and thought on which she has written eight books. She had opportunities for teaching at university level in several countries and this made her familiar with many cultures and this continues to be reflected in her current work.

In the pages which follow I ponder on the cross- roads between then and now looking further towards the future. Everything seems to have happened, the good, the bad, and if we venture to give the future ahead the Asquithian 'went to see' seems to be all that we can have recourse to. Of course there are relatively harmless occasions when what next is voiced, say what's for desert; more seriously, he has passed his law exams. What's next depends a lot on opportunities, chance encounters and one's own personal preferences. A young girl of about 13 puts on stiletto heels and excessive make-up. A friend comments, 'I wonder her mother lets her go out like that. What next?' They agree that some kind of crash (at least a sprained ankle) will come next.