TED Talks Daily How to revive your belief in democracy | Eric Liu
May 7, 2019
Eric Liu, a civic evangelist and author, discusses how to reignite belief in democracy. He emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and civic engagement in strengthening communities. Liu shares his journey as the child of immigrants, reflecting on freedom's fragility and the rise of autocracy. He introduces 'Civic Saturday' as a ritual to unite individuals through shared values and fosters hope and agency in participants. With practical strategies, he inspires a renewed commitment to active citizenship and collective action.
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Democracy's Foundation
- Democracy thrives on shared faith and civic spirit, not just rules.
- It's a gamble and a miracle, fueled by our belief in its effectiveness.
Civic Religion Defined
- Civic religion involves shared beliefs and practices for citizens.
- This goes beyond legal status and focuses on contributing to the community.
Civic Saturday Ritual
- Eric Liu created a new civic ritual called Civic Saturday, similar to a faith gathering.
- It involves singing, discussions, poetry, scripture readings, and a sermon, but with civic themes.