Sam Koppelman, a New York Times best-selling author and political strategist, dives into pressing issues surrounding voting rights and civic engagement. He discusses the historical struggles of suffragists and the ongoing challenges of voter suppression. Koppelman emphasizes the power of personal storytelling in political narratives and stresses altruism's moral implications in shaping society. Reflecting on his new book, he explores how past actions influence future generations, urging everyone to contribute positively to the common good.
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insights INSIGHT
Youth Cynicism and Detachment
Many young people display ironic detachment and cynicism about the world.
This understandable cowardice stems from fear, obstructing meaningful engagement.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Engage With Issues
If you think something is wrong, engage with it.
Disengaging from politics empowers the very forces you dislike.
insights INSIGHT
Stoic vs. Epicurean Political Engagement
Stoics believe in active political engagement unless prevented.
Epicureans only engage when necessary, highlighting a difference in philosophies.
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In this book, William MacAskill advocates for longtermism, the idea that positively influencing the long-term future is a key moral priority. He argues that future people count, there could be many of them, and we can make their lives better. MacAskill discusses various threats to humanity, including climate change, AI misalignment, and pandemics, and proposes strategies to ensure civilization's survival and improve its trajectory. The book explores moral and philosophical issues surrounding longtermism, including the risks of human extinction, civilizational collapse, and technological stagnation, while offering a measured optimism about the future's potential for human flourishing[1][5][4].
Why Liberalism Failed
Patrick J. Deneen
In 'Why Liberalism Failed,' Patrick J. Deneen critiques both classical liberalism (often called libertarianism) and progressive/modern liberalism. He argues that liberalism has created contradictions such as fostering material inequality despite advocating for equal rights, discouraging civic commitments in favor of privatism, and giving rise to a comprehensive state system while pursuing individual autonomy. Deneen contends that liberalism's success is generating its own failure, leading to issues like income inequality, cultural decline, atomization, and the erosion of freedoms. The book examines the outcomes of the growth of the state, the construction of the free market, and the effects of technology on freedoms and culture[1][3][4].
The obstacle is the way
Ryan Holiday
In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
Our Unfinished March
Sam Koppelman
Eric Holder
This book provides a comprehensive history of the violent contestation of voting rights in the U.S., tracing the struggles of white men, women, and African Americans. It also delves into the current crisis of voter suppression and offers actionable plans to protect democracy. Eric Holder, drawing from his experiences as U.S. Attorney General, presents a powerful primer on the urgent political struggle for voting rights.
What Made Maddy Run
Kate Fagan
The wilderness hunter
Theodore Roosevelt
The Wilderness Hunter, published in 1893, is Theodore Roosevelt's vivid account of his hunting adventures in the American West. The book describes his experiences hunting various game, including blacktail deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, moose, and elk. Roosevelt's narrative not only details his hunting exploits but also reflects his deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the wilderness and his advocacy for responsible hunting practices and conservation.
Nomadland
Bruder jessica / peronny nathalie
Jessica Bruder
Harper Audio
In 'Nomadland', Jessica Bruder delves into the lives of older Americans who, unable to afford traditional housing, have taken to living in vehicles and traveling for seasonal work. The book highlights the resilience and creativity of these individuals while exposing the darker aspects of the American economy. It follows characters like Linda May, who navigates this lifestyle with hope and determination.
Sam Koppelman is a New York Times best-selling author. He is currently a Principal at Fenway Strategies, where he has spent half a decade telling the stories of leaders working to make the world a better place—and he’s written for publications including the New York Times, Time Magazine, and The Washington Post.
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