What do you think?
Rate this book
Where Hope Takes Root: Democracy and Pluralism in an Interdependent World
In this remarkable collection of talks given over the past five years, the Aga Khan surveys the modern world and sets out the principles that inform his vision for change. Again and again, he returns to three cornerstones: democracy, pluralism, and civil society. Democracy, he writes, is always fragile, requiring nurturing in ways that are practical and flexible. Pluralism must be embraced so that it exists in both fact and spirit. And a diverse and engaged civil society, which he broadly defines as including doctors' and journalists' associations, women's groups, social movements, and trade unions, must be supported in countries around the globe. In a world too often divided along economic, political, ethnic, and religious lines, the Aga Khan's words are welcome, going right to the heart of the most difficult challenges the world faces today. Eloquent, inspiring, and deeply challenging, they express hope and conviction that profound change is possible.
- GenresNonfiction
144 pages, Hardcover
First published May 28, 2008
20 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Aga Khan IV
18 books34 followersPrince Karim Al-Husseini, known as the Aga Khan IV was the 49th imam of Isma'ilism. He held the position of Imam and the title of Aga Khan from 1957 to 2025, after succeeding to the position at the age of 20 upon the death of his grandfather, Aga Khan III. Aga Khan IV was also known by the religious title Mawlānā Hazar Imam by his Isma'ili followers.
Aga Khan's net worth was estimated over US$13.3 billion by Vanity Fair in 2013. Forbes described the Aga Khan as one of the world's fifteen richest royals. He was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the largest private development networks in the world. The Aga Khan was a business magnate with British and Portuguese citizenship, as well as a racehorse owner and breeder.
From the time of his ascension to the Imamate of the Nizari Ismailis in 1957, the Aga Khan was involved in complex political and economic changes which affected his followers, including the independence of African countries from colonial rule, the expulsion of Asians from Uganda, the independence of Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan from the former Soviet Union and the continuous turmoil in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Aga Khan IV became the first faith leader to address the Joint Session of the Parliament of Canada on 27 February 2014.
Aga Khan's net worth was estimated over US$13.3 billion by Vanity Fair in 2013. Forbes described the Aga Khan as one of the world's fifteen richest royals. He was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the largest private development networks in the world. The Aga Khan was a business magnate with British and Portuguese citizenship, as well as a racehorse owner and breeder.
From the time of his ascension to the Imamate of the Nizari Ismailis in 1957, the Aga Khan was involved in complex political and economic changes which affected his followers, including the independence of African countries from colonial rule, the expulsion of Asians from Uganda, the independence of Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan from the former Soviet Union and the continuous turmoil in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Aga Khan IV became the first faith leader to address the Joint Session of the Parliament of Canada on 27 February 2014.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 23, 2014
I had the honour to borrow this book from an Ismaili Muslim and am very grateful that I had that opportunity as this book was engaging, thought-provoking and inspiring!
His Highness the Aga Khan makes eloquent references time and time again about the "clash of ignorance" and strongly believes in democracy and the democratic process, especially when all parties are participatory. He believes in civil society and most importantly, working within a culture of pluralism. In fact, celebrating pluralism, nurturing it and preserving it is something that he strongly believes is the only way that we can realistically work towards world peace.
He states how education plays a role in this process and believes that the Western education system should incorporate teaching of Islam in order to bridge the gap, the "ignorance" of our understandings. Frankly, it's a strong argument given how many people globally practice some form of Islam. .
His Highness the Aga Khan provides historical insight and is very clear with his thoughts in each of the various lectures and speeches compiled in this book. He truly has a deep understanding of global politics, development and the challenges that create roadblocks to peace.
I think many, many more people need to acquaint themselves with his work and his vision so that way we can move forward positively, and with hope.
His Highness the Aga Khan makes eloquent references time and time again about the "clash of ignorance" and strongly believes in democracy and the democratic process, especially when all parties are participatory. He believes in civil society and most importantly, working within a culture of pluralism. In fact, celebrating pluralism, nurturing it and preserving it is something that he strongly believes is the only way that we can realistically work towards world peace.
He states how education plays a role in this process and believes that the Western education system should incorporate teaching of Islam in order to bridge the gap, the "ignorance" of our understandings. Frankly, it's a strong argument given how many people globally practice some form of Islam. .
His Highness the Aga Khan provides historical insight and is very clear with his thoughts in each of the various lectures and speeches compiled in this book. He truly has a deep understanding of global politics, development and the challenges that create roadblocks to peace.
I think many, many more people need to acquaint themselves with his work and his vision so that way we can move forward positively, and with hope.
July 24, 2022
The books that help you most are those which make you think the most. The hardest way of learning is that of easy reading: but a great book that comes from a great thinker is a ship of thought, deep freighted with truth and beauty. This is one such book, great indeed ♥️
This is a collection of speeches from the Imam of our Time dealing with issues of democracy, pluralism, and tolerance.
"The Aga Khan says he knows his work will never end because humans are not natural pluralists, and the value of pluralism must be inculcated anew in each generation. But its rewards of peace, material progress, and social unity are worth the ongoing effort."
This is a collection of speeches from the Imam of our Time dealing with issues of democracy, pluralism, and tolerance.
"The Aga Khan says he knows his work will never end because humans are not natural pluralists, and the value of pluralism must be inculcated anew in each generation. But its rewards of peace, material progress, and social unity are worth the ongoing effort."
August 28, 2013
I have read several speeches of His Highness and found that I had previously read many that were compiled in this book. However, what was so interesting to me was the consistent messaging surrounding the necessary components for a successful civilization: pluralism, democratic process, and civil society. He defines and explains what he means by each and also defines his role as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and his work within the AKDN. It was also very interesting to note the way in which he makes these same messages relevant in the various contexts in which he is invited to speak- whether it be a convocation in Canada or Pakistan, a ceremony where he is accepting an award, an interview, etc. He finds ways to make his ideas on development relevant to new graduates and to top leaders if important fields in countries of the East and West. His Highness' speeches left me inspired as always and sparked many ideas on how to teach development as an ethic of Islam to students. An engaging, inspiring, and thought provoking read.
June 11, 2013
Great Resource for MSC volume 2
February 24, 2025
Prescient and important speeches of the late Aga Khan IV address the reasons for failed democracies and the critical need for a strong civil society.
May 10, 2012
Very good book about Imam Ali and the spiritual inner meaning behind his massage.Imam Ali is the master of all Sufi paths in Islam.
June 12, 2020
A must read for everyone.
July 1, 2021
My favorite book. I want to read this book
October 4, 2022
He is the love of my soul a great thinker of the 21 century
November 21, 2025
I found this collection of thirteen talks and an interview by Shāh Karīm al-Ḥusaynī, His Highness the Aga Khan and the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili community, from the first decade of this century, to provide an inspiring statement of the crucial values of pluralism and tolerance in democratic self-governance that we humans need to learn and practice in this era of increasingly global interaction, yet a depiction fully tempered with realism regarding the challenges that "rampant materialism, the new relativism, self-serving individualism and resurgent tribalism", as well as his iconic "clash of ignorance", pose if we are to ensure that "As communities become more pluralistic in fact, they must also become more pluralistic in spirit." Looking back, it seems to me that these values are still crucial and the challenges have become even more severe. A worthwhile read.
May 18, 2018
Inspiring and an easy quick read though definitely some pondering to do.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews