Politics of Hope

by Jonathan Sacks

Physical description; xvi, 288 p. ; 22 cm. Notes; Includes bibliographical references (p. 270-279) and index. Summary; A treatment of politics and society. Sacks argues for a system beyond collectivist and individualist politics which are inadequate to the social problems facing post-industrial democracies. He is positive in his conclusions, intending this book to be an antidote to the prevailing mood of pessimism. Subjects;Political ethics. Civilization, Modern — 20th century — Moral and ethical aspects. Social values. Social ethics. Community life. Common good. Civil society. Moral conditions. Liberty. Libertarianism — Moral and ethical aspects. Social change — Cross-cultural studies. Libertarianism. Great Britain — Politics and government — 20th century — Social aspects. Political science & theory ; Political democracy. United Kingdom, Great Britain ; USA. Political Science / General. Political sociology ; Religion and politics. Genre; Bibliography.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Religion

319 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 1997

About the author

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Henry Sacks was the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. His Hebrew name was Yaakov Zvi.

Serving as the chief rabbi in the United Kingdom from 1991 to 2013, Sacks gained fame both in the secular world and in Jewish circles. He was a sought-after voice on issues of war and peace, religious fundamentalism, ethics, and the relationship between science and religion, among other topics. Sacks wrote more than 20 books.

Rabbi Sacks died November 2020 after a short bout with cancer. He was 72.

Reviews

[John Grinstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although now 10 years old, this is definately a book of our time and should be compulsory reading for the UK's new coalition government. Whilst initially not the easiest of reads - but definately worth perservering with - Jonathan Sacks distils the key tenets of modern liberal philosophy in his usual pragmatic and insightful way and relates it to a society where everyone talks about their rights and what's owed to them rather than recognising their own responsibilities - whether as parents, employers, employees or members of a community - and encourages us all to make a positive contribution to society. This is a good example of the sort of thing Cameron talks about but which we have yet to see being put into practice. This stuff should cut across party politics - worryingly, the preface for this edition is written by Gordon Brown! - and will give everyone something to think about. Echoes of "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country".

I returned to this book for a second airing - this time as a Book Club choice - to see if it still stands up or has dated. I think my comments remain intact. Cameron’s Big Society came to nothing and, worryingly, Brexit appears to have re-emphasised the focus of the majority on what’s in it for them rather than how best to promote community, a better experience for all and a philosophy of others before self. Ironically, it may have been the COVID pandemic that brought us closest to Jonathon Sacks ideal, where community and looking out for others, particularly the disadvantaged, came to the fore.

Fanciful or achievable? Your call.

[Mats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps one of the most important books I have ever read

[Trevor Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent - a plea to move away from individualism toward the common good

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

And there was great rejoicing throughout all the land because Chrisanne had finished the book and minute-by-minute updates/quotes would no longer be cluttering up their newsfeeds.

*This one I want to own.

[Jayde Schwerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting thoughts shared in this book. We can hope. We should always hope...