How to Change the World: The School of Life
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2.5 • 2 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
How To Change The World' combines insights from Tolstoy, Gandhi and Sartre and outlines a refreshing theory of political power, giving examples of successful non-violent action from across the world, from the start of recorded history to the present day. Of course, we don't all need to topple dictators, but any attempt to change the status quo requires us to overcome inertia, indifference and perhaps active hostility from people who feel threatened. This book explores the idea that we can break down our goals into small pieces, and highlights that there will never be a better time to start. Bursting with ideas, this book will give you a sense of what might just be possible, as well as the inspiration and the courage you need to go about improving and changing the world we live in.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
It's easy to feel ineffectual amid the much-publicized exploits of the movers and shakers of the world, but broadcaster and journalist Flintoff (Comp: A Survivor's Tale) argues in this installment of the School Of Life series that anyone can make a difference. Using a range of real-life examples from the fall of the Berlin Wall ("when enough people came, the soldiers had to let them through") to the solitary stand of resistance by "Tank Man" in Tiananmen Square the author shows that the secret to making an impact isn't restricted to monumental acts of aid. Rather, Flintoff insists that people must align their passions and values with the greater good, brainstorm about ways to help, and plan ahead. The book also includes practical advice about how to get the most out of your charity dollars, and an appendix of "198 Ways to Act" (excerpted from Gene Sharp's The Politics of Nonviolent Action) will provide plenty of fodder for conversation between burgeoning activists. The optimistic approach is refreshing, but in an attempt to reach a wide audience, Flintoff tends to water down his prescriptions and advice. Still, as a first push toward directing one's energies outward, this is an encouraging primer. Photos.
