The Politics Of Meaning: Restoring Hope And Possibility In An Age Of Cynicism [Paperback]

Michael Lerner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 10, 1997

Drawing on ideas presented in the Bible, Jewish teachings, and his experience as a psychotherapist, Lerner examines the roots of the vague discontent felt by so many Americans about our political system and explains how values can be put back into these broken politics.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Michael Lerner, former radical and crusading editor of the magazine of Jewish thought,Tikkun, has never lost his idealism. Until now Lerner has been promoting his ideas, dubbed "the politics of meaning," through his magazine and in lectures and workshops around the country. He won praise from Hillary Clinton, although that soured under media spotlight. This book lays out his analysis of America's spiritual emptiness, encouraging direct political action to enlarge the sense of community. He rejects both the right's profit-oriented bottom line and the left's splintering of society into minority rights ghettoes. Though his ideas are rooted in Judaism, his concept of God is broadly inclusive, and his critique is relevant to all Americans. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

As ongoing editorial leader of the Jewish-ecumenical Tikkun, Lerner has long been among the more humanistic and balanced thinkers rooted in the New Left. Here he writes explicitly in response to the premature pronouncements that the American public has decisively embraced a New Right orientation. He is not that concerned with the particulars of current politics, which is a pity for readers who will otherwise accept his basic orientation. Lerner's thesis boils down to the notion that Americans today are hungry for values and that through "politics of meaning," not mere materialism but ethical behavior and community-thoughtfulness, they can achieve an alternative orientation to an alienating market that presently wears down family and spirituality. The book's final pages, which regret that the Clintons have not stood by principles that at moments seemed harmonious with Lerner's, are rousing, even remarkable, and his thoughts on an array of controversies from affirmative action to movies merit respect. But Lerner's ideas, whatever their quality, are overwrapped in redundant platitudes and wearisome slogans. Overall, a boring book filled with significant notions.?Scott H. Silverman, Bryn Mawr Coll. Lib., Pa.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (June 10, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201154897
• ISBN-13: 978-0201154894
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,112,026 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A vital book for the new millennium, May 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Politics Of Meaning: Restoring Hope And Possibility In An Age Of Cynicism (Paperback)

This book was a clarion call to the utter self-destruction of American politics and progressivism that we have witnessed with Monicagate and Clinton's even more public affair with "the inexorable logic of globalization." Lerner offers the best explanation I have ever read of why and how conservatives have been so successful during the past two decades in transforming the public debate to their agendas, and why the traditional Left remains incapable of offering a coherent reply to the seeming triumph of the neo-liberal, hyper-consumerist world view that increasingly dominates our culture. I would urge anyone who wants to move beyond the sterile and outdated philosophies and politics of Left/Right and Democrat/Republican to read this book!

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant reply to the self-centered "New Right", February 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Politics Of Meaning: Restoring Hope And Possibility In An Age Of Cynicism (Paperback)

Lerner both points out the moral bankruptcy of the neo-right's "every man for himself" (particularly men, particularly white and wealthy) world-view, and also provides a vision for the future of compassionate *and* workable politics, economics, and community. Like Robert Theobald's "Reworking Success," or Thom Hartmann's "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight" and "The Prophet's Way" (all highly recommended and available on amazon.com), Lerner courageously confronts us with the problems we face and offers realistic solutions. Highly recommended!

12 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book About an Idea Whose Time Has Come, September 5, 2001

By 

"clementineojukwu" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Politics Of Meaning: Restoring Hope And Possibility In An Age Of Cynicism (Paperback)

Rabbi Dr. Lerner has written a wonderful book about an idea whose time has come. If the media and politicians would act upon these ideas, our national life would benefit immeasurably. Rancor and discord would be replaced by harmony and dialogue. Senator Hilary Clinton embraced this book, and her espousal of its ideas no doubt helped her win election as our junior senator from New York.

Dr. Lerner is in the forefront of Jewish thought today. He seeks to engage the culture at large in a way that is beneficial for Jews and Gentiles alike. His efforts in this book and elsewhere are to be applauded.