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Truth and Consequence: Reflections on Catastrophe, Civil Resistance, and Hope
From the legendary Pentagon Papers whistleblower and anti-war activist-a posthumous collection of Daniel Ellsberg's previously unpublished writings that offers a window into his courageous life, work, and most deeply held beliefs.
When Daniel Ellsberg passed away in 2023 at the age of ninety-two, his lifelong commitment to nuclear disarmament and truth-telling at the highest levels of government enshrined him as one of the most courageous patriots America has ever seen. From his role in leaking the Pentagon Papers in 1971, for which he was charged with multiple felonies under the Espionage Act, to his anti-war activism and writings in the decades that followed, his effects on American nuclear policy, peacemaking efforts, and information politics cannot be overstated.
Yet the principles he stood on remain more urgent than ever, as catastrophic wars break out and political unrest throws into question the authority of democracy and governments across the world. Truth and Consequence-edited by his son, Michael Ellsberg, and his longtime assistant Jan R. Thomas-captures Ellsberg's lifelong preoccupations with the problem of evil, the massacre of civilians, the threat of nuclear annihilation, the dangers of unquestioned obedience, and the necessity to cultivate empathy for those whom we have been taught to see as enemies.
In this posthumous collection of previously unpublished writing, including autobiographical and personal essays, manifestos, and reportage, Ellsberg's ideas burst from the page with acerbic critique and powerful introspection, cementing him as one of the most heroic champions of truth in American history. Truth and Consequence does not equivocate about the bedrock convictions we must continue to uphold in his freedom, integrity, and, above all, truth.
When Daniel Ellsberg passed away in 2023 at the age of ninety-two, his lifelong commitment to nuclear disarmament and truth-telling at the highest levels of government enshrined him as one of the most courageous patriots America has ever seen. From his role in leaking the Pentagon Papers in 1971, for which he was charged with multiple felonies under the Espionage Act, to his anti-war activism and writings in the decades that followed, his effects on American nuclear policy, peacemaking efforts, and information politics cannot be overstated.
Yet the principles he stood on remain more urgent than ever, as catastrophic wars break out and political unrest throws into question the authority of democracy and governments across the world. Truth and Consequence-edited by his son, Michael Ellsberg, and his longtime assistant Jan R. Thomas-captures Ellsberg's lifelong preoccupations with the problem of evil, the massacre of civilians, the threat of nuclear annihilation, the dangers of unquestioned obedience, and the necessity to cultivate empathy for those whom we have been taught to see as enemies.
In this posthumous collection of previously unpublished writing, including autobiographical and personal essays, manifestos, and reportage, Ellsberg's ideas burst from the page with acerbic critique and powerful introspection, cementing him as one of the most heroic champions of truth in American history. Truth and Consequence does not equivocate about the bedrock convictions we must continue to uphold in his freedom, integrity, and, above all, truth.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published March 3, 2026
3 people are currently reading
2005 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Ellsberg
36 books217 followersDaniel Ellsberg was an American political activist and United States military analyst. While employed by the RAND Corporation, he precipitated a national political controversy in 1971 when he released the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret Pentagon study of U.S. government decision-making in relation to the Vietnam War, to The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other newspapers.
In January 1973, he was charged under the Espionage Act of 1917 along with other charges of theft and conspiracy, carrying a maximum sentence of 115 years. Because of governmental misconduct and illegal evidence-gathering, and his defense all charges were dismissed against Ellsberg in May 1973.
In January 1973, he was charged under the Espionage Act of 1917 along with other charges of theft and conspiracy, carrying a maximum sentence of 115 years. Because of governmental misconduct and illegal evidence-gathering, and his defense all charges were dismissed against Ellsberg in May 1973.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 5, 2026
Never more vital, never more needed
As the United States starts an illegal and immoral war with Iran, I read this book and was struck by the passage: "There is no greater wrong that a government can do than to commit a nation to an illegal, illegitimate war."
We need Daniel Ellsberg’s voice now as much as ever before.
We are treated to previously unpublished pieces in this latest release, which contains essays and snippets from journals that were lovingly collected and compiled by Ellsberg’s wife and children. There are truly remarkable insights here into everything from survivor’s guilt to free will, from the nature of mankind to whether there’s hope for our species and the world. As much as I appreciate the philosophical essays and asides, I also valued learning more about Ellsberg’s life, especially what was left out of the memoir. Even tidbits like his meetings with Robert Jay Lifton and his fascination with the work of Stanley Milgram were welcome, and I adored the image one of his sons paints of a man who spent his time reading, thinking, and scribbling down what he read and thought about, some of which we’re privileged to read here.
Daniel Ellsberg was one of the most important and patriotic people America has ever produced. While in this book he maintained he had no more extraordinary courage than any other man, he also acknowledged that no other official who worked on the projects alongside him dared to speak out and share the truth with the public. As he said himself, Ellsberg’s actions brought the war in Vietnam to a close and ended Nixon’s presidency, and in his advocacy he strove to close the chapter of nuclear war for good.
Please read this book, as well as his other works, which are among the best books of all time and crucial to a better understanding of American history.
As the United States starts an illegal and immoral war with Iran, I read this book and was struck by the passage: "There is no greater wrong that a government can do than to commit a nation to an illegal, illegitimate war."
We need Daniel Ellsberg’s voice now as much as ever before.
We are treated to previously unpublished pieces in this latest release, which contains essays and snippets from journals that were lovingly collected and compiled by Ellsberg’s wife and children. There are truly remarkable insights here into everything from survivor’s guilt to free will, from the nature of mankind to whether there’s hope for our species and the world. As much as I appreciate the philosophical essays and asides, I also valued learning more about Ellsberg’s life, especially what was left out of the memoir. Even tidbits like his meetings with Robert Jay Lifton and his fascination with the work of Stanley Milgram were welcome, and I adored the image one of his sons paints of a man who spent his time reading, thinking, and scribbling down what he read and thought about, some of which we’re privileged to read here.
Daniel Ellsberg was one of the most important and patriotic people America has ever produced. While in this book he maintained he had no more extraordinary courage than any other man, he also acknowledged that no other official who worked on the projects alongside him dared to speak out and share the truth with the public. As he said himself, Ellsberg’s actions brought the war in Vietnam to a close and ended Nixon’s presidency, and in his advocacy he strove to close the chapter of nuclear war for good.
Please read this book, as well as his other works, which are among the best books of all time and crucial to a better understanding of American history.
March 13, 2026
3.5. Some parts were good and others just recurrent rambling.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews