91. Civility & Community: Christine Porath, author of ‘Mastering Community,’ [reads] ‘Man’s Search For Meaning

On the radio the other day, I heard something that I can’t forget: “If you’re unhappy with the state of the world, your country or your community, it is one of the greatest expressions of privilege to be able to say, ‘It’s too hard; I'll opt out. I hope somebody else sorts this out for me.’’ When I heard it, I was provoked and irritated, but also encouraged. Now, I’m really thinking hard about what it means for me to be an active part of my community - I think the times are demanding that of me. How about you? 

Christine Porath is a professor at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. Previously, she wrote a book called Mastering Civility, and her new book is Mastering Community. She has written for Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and more; but if she had her way when she was young, she would have been a sports star. The reason for her shift in career might surprise you. Get‌ ‌book‌ ‌links‌ ‌and‌ ‌resources‌ ‌at‌ https://www.mbs.works/2-pages-podcast/ 

Christine reads two pages from ‘Man’s Search For Meaning’ by Viktor Frankl. [reading begins at 16:10]

Hear us discuss: 

How to be a force for good. [23:50] | What it takes to master community: “We’re very quick to point the finger at others.” [31:22] | Developing a good sense of self-awareness: “Sitting down and asking people what you need to work on is helpful.” [34:17] | “Do your best to be the example of change that you want to see.” [38:17]