Soul of a Citizen: Living With Conviction in a Cynical Time (Paperback)

~ (Author) "We're often taught to view social involvement as a zero-sum game..." (more)
Key Phrases: more hopeful way, social justice activists, fellow fishermen, African American, Virginia Ramirez, Pete Knutson (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

These are indeed cynical times. But to hide behind the smugness of cynicism is a kind of self-imposed death sentence, explains writer and social commentator Paul Loeb. In fact, now is the ideal time for gathering all our strengths and wisdom as spiritual beings and applying ourselves to shaping a better world, he claims.

Are we talking social activism here? Well, yes. But before you cringe from images of shrill, humorless, burned out activists, keep in mind that Loeb is talking about a new kind of activism--an exciting, spiritual model for creating social change. We don't have to be pious or martyred saints (as he explains throughout one chapter), starving ourselves in the name of a cause or staging protests in freezing rain. We can be "good enough" activists, assuming the task of helping 10 people in need rather than taking on the globe. We can remember the power of storytelling when convincing an audience, rather than angrily spewing scary facts. We can replenish ourselves so that we do not burn out. We can emphasize themes such as community and forgiveness rather than separatism and blame.

This is a deeply spiritual book, but make no mistake: Loeb's writing, research, and integrity are as solid as they come. Soul of a Citizen may well become The Handbook for activism at the turn of the century. --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly

Informed by his lifelong participation in peace, justice and environmental causes, Loeb (Generation at the Crossroads, etc.) offers Americans a new vision for personal engagement with societal issues. A Seattle-based scholar, he eloquently argues for a return to community involvement and social activism, which, he says, have declined since the 1960s and 70s. He gently chides former activists lost to private pursuits, fatigue and cynicism and warns of increasing social isolation and the widening opportunity gap between rich and poor, despite our robust economy. Throughout, Loeb emphasizes the psychological and spiritual importance of the human connection. Believing that personal stories, not politics, capture peoples attention, he seamlessly weaves in inspiring examples of unexpected heroism in ordinary people and successful activism. One such example is 100-year-old Hazel Wood, the grandmother of the environmental movement, who championed neighborhood, day care, economic inequity and pollution issues. Loeb challenges all citizens to take action on their concerns and suggests an activist model for our times, stressing a Zen-like satisfaction in the journey. Even readers who disagree with his liberal politics will find compassion, intelligence and thought-provoking wisdom here. Agent, Geri Thoma of the Elaine Markson Agency; $100,000 ad/promo; first serial to Redbook, Modern Maturity and Parents; 16-city author tour.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (March 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312204353
• ISBN-13: 978-0312204358
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #34,240 in Books (See Bestsellers 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 social justice is for everyone, November 22, 1999

By	Stephanie Adams (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This incredible book teaches us that everyone can work for social justice and claim their right to participate as a citizen in everyday life. In a time where many small groups of ordinary citizens are choosing to re-engage in American democracy through Salons and Circles, we are grateful for this book to inspire and empower us. Loeb uses storytelling to illustrate how involvement in citizenship is surprisingly powerful and creates a tremendous sense of personal and spiritual growth. This hopeful and transformative book invites each of us to choose to take responsible action instead of choosing the civic apathy that has allowed America's governing bodies to listen to the wishes of the most powerful and profitable over the majority of its people. It is time for each of us to choose a better way -- our children, our communities, our democracy, and our natural world depend on us. This book is a great step in the right direction!

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soul of a Citizen is a great book, February 14, 2000

By	Julie Baka (Kendallville, Indiana) - See all my reviews

My husband and I have always wanted to help improve the world, especially on enviromental and sustainability issues. In the past we have felt overwhelmed to do anything. All issues appeared to big, the gov't too far away and unreachable.

Then we both read the book "Soul of a Citizen" by Paul Roget Loeb, we now know that our efforts do add up and make a difference. We are currently working on a letter writing campaign to get the Children's Enviromental Protection Act passed.

This is an excellent book. Read it today and start changing the world!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great choice for anyone who wants to create a better planet, September 13, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Edmonds, WA) - See all my reviews

I have been reading, Soul of a Citizen, and am incredibly touched by it. Everything Paul Loeb says fits my thoughts and feeling perfectly. I've been looking for this book much of my adult life. It seems to help my frequent sense of hopelessness when it comes to the state of the planet and my 'pet issues.' As I read it, I get more inspiration to do more than I normally do.