A German literary figure whose work, notably Faust, provides a foundation for Berman's examination of the modern condition, highlighting themes of ambition and the tensions between progress and morality.

A philosopher and economist whose critiques of capitalism and theories on alienation inform Berman's exploration of economic and social transformations within modernity.

A French poet and critic whose works, especially related to the urban environment of 19th-century Paris, offer insights into the sensory and emotional experiences of modern urban life for Berman's analysis.

A prominent urban planner in mid-20th-century New York, whose ambitious infrastructure projects serve as an example in Berman's discourse on the effects of modernization on urban landscapes and communities.