#10278
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Politics Is for Power
Book • 2020
In this book, Eitan Hersh argues that many people treat politics as a spectator sport, which he terms 'political hobbyism.
' Instead of merely consuming political news or posting on social media, Hersh advocates for building political organizations, implementing long-term visions for local communities, and getting to know neighbors to accumulate power and make real change.
The book is supported by cutting-edge social science and stories of ordinary citizens who have taken political power seriously, highlighting the importance of local, face-to-face networks and providing community services to rebuild political power at the grassroots level.
' Instead of merely consuming political news or posting on social media, Hersh advocates for building political organizations, implementing long-term visions for local communities, and getting to know neighbors to accumulate power and make real change.
The book is supported by cutting-edge social science and stories of ordinary citizens who have taken political power seriously, highlighting the importance of local, face-to-face networks and providing community services to rebuild political power at the grassroots level.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by Mallory McMorrow as a book critical of those who engage in politics as a sport rather than focusing on policy and coalition-building.
13 snips
How The Democrats Can Win (with Mallory McMorrow)
Mentioned by 
Ezra Klein while discussing political engagement and the concept of political hobbyism.
Ezra Klein while discussing political engagement and the concept of political hobbyism.
11 snips
Is there a sane way to follow this election?
Mentioned by 
Rutger Bregman as a book with a literal title, which highlights that politics is about seizing power.
Rutger Bregman as a book with a literal title, which highlights that politics is about seizing power.
Downstream: How to Be a Morally Effective Person w/ Rutger Bregman
Mentioned by Didi Kuo as showing that people who get involved on a local issue, learn skills of politics, compromise, negotiation
Didi Kuo, "The Great Retreat: How Political Parties Should Behave and Why They Don't" (Oxford UP, 2025)
