He identified a sense of hopelessness about the future as a key trait differentiating the current from past crises.

The Polish sociologist, who visited Slovenia to help launch a Slovenian translation of his Postmodern Ethics, said that for instance after WWII, the future, although still unclear, seemed promising. Today, on the other hand, people are afraid of it.

Bauman feels that the big question is not what to do, but who will do it, given that this is not expected from the state nor from markets.

We are living in a period of improvisation; people in Europe are taking to the street, putting up tents, trying to find something that already existed.

Bauman sees the solution in a new attitude, one that would be turning to the past as well as the future and draws hope from the new generation that he feels is the first one with the courage and belief that it can rebuild a platform for quality life.

At the same time, globalisation is producing a disorienting effect, which is also reflected in the refugee crisis.

While massive migrations are not a new phenomena, the spectacular reporting on them and the stereotypes being created are.

The refugees are arriving as persons without citizenship as well as "without words". Because people do not like bad news, populist governments are abusing this and creating stereotypes, portraying the refugees as carriers of disease and as terrorists.

Bauman evoked Pope Francis in promoting dialogue, respect and an inclusive society as the only way forward.