Horia-Roman Patapievici is a Romanian physicist, writer, and philosopher, born in 1957. He is known for his critique of modernity and his reflections on the human condition in the context of Romanian and European intellectual traditions. With a background in science, Patapievici’s works often bridge the gap between the sciences and the humanities, offering a multidisciplinary approach to understanding culture, history, and politics. He has served as the head of the Romanian Cultural Institute, promoting Romanian culture abroad.

Patapievici’s writings, such as Omul recent and Anii urii, explore themes of modernity, identity, and the challenges posed by totalitarianism. His works reflect a deep concern with the moral and spiritual dimensions of contemporary life, particularly in post-communist societies. He is regarded as a major voice in Romanian cultural and political thought