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A Politics of Love: A Handbook for a New American Revolution
Bring positive change to your life with #1 New York Times bestselling author Marianne Williamson – preorder her latest, The Mystic Jesus, picking up where A Return to Love left off
In this stirring call to arms, the activist, spiritual leader, and New York Times bestselling author of the classic A Return to Love confronts the cancerous politics of fear and divisiveness threatening the United States today, urging all spiritually aware Americans to return to—and act out of—our deepest love.
America’s story is one of great social achievement. From the Abolitionists who fought to outlaw slavery, to the Suffragettes who championed women’s right to vote, to the Civil Rights proponents who battled segregation and institutionalized white supremacy, to the proponents of the women’s movement and gay rights seeking equality for all, citizens for generations have risen up to fulfill the promise of our nation. Over the course of America’s history, these activists have both embodied and enacted the nation’s deepest values.
Today, America once again is in turmoil. A spiritual cancer of fear threatens to undo the progress we have achieved. Discord and hatred are dissolving our communal bonds and undermining the spirit of social responsibility—the duty we feel toward one another. In this powerful spiritual manifesto, Marianne Williamson offers a tonic for this cultural malignancy. She urges us to imitate the heroes of our past and live out our deepest spiritual where some have sown hatred, let us now sow love.
Williamson argues that we must do more than respond to external political issues. We must address the deeper, internal causes that have led to this current dysfunction. We need a new, whole-person politics of love that stems not just from the head but from the heart, not just from intellectual understanding but from a genuine affection for one another. By committing to love, we will make a meaningful contribution to the joyful, fierce and disruptive energies that are rising at this critical point in time. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "we must think anew, and act anew . . . and then we shall save our country."
In this stirring call to arms, the activist, spiritual leader, and New York Times bestselling author of the classic A Return to Love confronts the cancerous politics of fear and divisiveness threatening the United States today, urging all spiritually aware Americans to return to—and act out of—our deepest love.
America’s story is one of great social achievement. From the Abolitionists who fought to outlaw slavery, to the Suffragettes who championed women’s right to vote, to the Civil Rights proponents who battled segregation and institutionalized white supremacy, to the proponents of the women’s movement and gay rights seeking equality for all, citizens for generations have risen up to fulfill the promise of our nation. Over the course of America’s history, these activists have both embodied and enacted the nation’s deepest values.
Today, America once again is in turmoil. A spiritual cancer of fear threatens to undo the progress we have achieved. Discord and hatred are dissolving our communal bonds and undermining the spirit of social responsibility—the duty we feel toward one another. In this powerful spiritual manifesto, Marianne Williamson offers a tonic for this cultural malignancy. She urges us to imitate the heroes of our past and live out our deepest spiritual where some have sown hatred, let us now sow love.
Williamson argues that we must do more than respond to external political issues. We must address the deeper, internal causes that have led to this current dysfunction. We need a new, whole-person politics of love that stems not just from the head but from the heart, not just from intellectual understanding but from a genuine affection for one another. By committing to love, we will make a meaningful contribution to the joyful, fierce and disruptive energies that are rising at this critical point in time. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "we must think anew, and act anew . . . and then we shall save our country."
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2019
216 people are currently reading
2016 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Williamson
448 books2,328 followersMarianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed lecturer, activist, and author with six New York Times bestsellers. Her books include Tears to Triumph, A Return to Love, A Year of Miracles, The Law of Divine Compensation, The Gift of Change, The Age of Miracles, Everyday Grace, A Woman's Worth, Illuminata, and A Course in Weight Loss. She has been a popular guest on television programs such as Oprah and Good Morning America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
December 1, 2019
I've read A LOT of political, spiritual, and politically spiritual books over the decades and this one stands out for me as profoundly different and important at this specific time in history.
This fantastic book lays out long shot presidential candidate Marianne Williamson's basic platform of ideas she is calling "The Politics of Love." And it may sound like a far-out hippie generation concept by a new age woo-woo guru but the book is grounded in historical facts and a holistic understanding of the American mind and soul in ways that reach much wider than the narrow paradigm of politics as usual. In the wake of the current administration's social and moral blitzkrieg upon the American landscape, Marianne hits home run after home run of righteous indignation, cultural understanding, and practical steps towards healing a broken America and a destructive political system.
Here's a few choice quotes:
"A smug, self-righteous, intolerant left-winger poses no less danger to the emotional fabric of this nation than a smug, self-righteous, intolerant right-winger."
"The health and well-being of American children should be top on our list of national priorities. The means of self-actualization through education and culture should be available to every child, regardless of what neighborhood they live in. Their libraries should be fully funded temples of art and literacy. Their schools should be palaces of learning and joy. Their neighborhoods should all have safe and beautiful parks for them to play in.
To ask for those things doesn't mean we're asking for too much. Not asking for them means we're asking too little. There is no lack of money to do this. This is simply too much money going elsewhere.
Americans have become so habituated to skewed natural priorities that we're almost programmed to ask, 'But where would the money come from?'
'How would we pay for all that education and culture, health and safety?' ask those who have no problem whatsoever paying for ill-begotten wars and tax cuts for the wealthy. Such a question should be met with laughter from those who were never consulted as to how we would pay for a $2 trillion war in Iraq (which, among other things, created ISIS) or a $2 trillion tax cut for the wealthiest among us (which, among other things, is already adding to our wealth inequality)."
"Nothing holds more promise for the twenty-first century than a radical rethinking of our responsibility to children and young adults. This country should undertake a massive realignment of our resources in the direction of the young. We should make college and technical school available to everyone. We should cancel most college debts. And why should we do all these things? To unshackle the American spirit, to release the chains that bind our circumstances, to liberate the potential in every citizen...America's problem is the problem of a constricted heart. As individuals we are a good and decent people, but as a society we have become rather mean. It is time to reconsider. It is time to self-correct."
"We can change things on the level of effect over and over, but only when we change things on the level of cause are they fundamentally altered."
"The South hadn't given up slavery voluntarily; it gave it up for one reason only--that it lost the war. They thus surrendered their slaves but not their anger. The last thing the former slave-owner class of Southerners was ready to do for a population they had kicked to the ground for hundreds of years was to say, 'Great, now let's be friends.' A cold and cruel dehumanization of black people before the war was replaced with hit and violent rage after it ended."
"If you've kicked someone to the ground, you need to do more than just stop kicking; you have a moral responsibility to help them get back up. You can't just say to four million people who have had no experience other than that of forced labor, 'Glad you're free! Now good luck to ya! Hope you find a good job!"
"A politics of love does not ask what's expedient; it asks what is right and then seeks to do it."
"Scapegoating immigrants, particularly Mexicans, has been a primary fear tactic of our current president since the first day he announced his candidacy. Some took him seriously; some did not. Some saw the dangers of his rhetoric then; some did not. In fact, nothing is more dangerous than hate harnessed for political purposes.
Scapegoating is a deliberate dehumanization technique. Americans had to see Africans as somehow less than fully human to enslave them. Americans had to see Native Americans as savages in order to acquiesce to the destruction of their culture. Germans had to see Jews as weeds in the garden of humanity in order to put them into death camps. Rwandan Hutus had to see Tutsis as animals; Chinese had to see students at Tiananmen Square as criminals; Croatians had to see Bosnian Muslims as enemies of the state; which is how Turks had to see Armenians and Myanmar has to see Rohingyas today. Dehumanizing others has always been the required first step in the commitment of history's collective atrocities. Demonizing others brings out the demons in those who demonize."
"The plight of the modern refugee--the vast majority of whom are asylum seekers--is no different now than it ever was. What has changed is how anti-immigrant fervor has been weaponized in the modern era, taking a wrecking ball to something previously considered a point of pride for our country: that we're a nation of immigrants."
"At a certain time, abolishing slavery in America would not have been a reasonable proposition. Gaining women the right to vote would not have been seen as a reasonable proposition. Ending segregation would not have been seen as a reasonable proposition. When it comes to disrupting what appears like an intractable status quo, reason alone isn't our guiding light."
"Our powerlessness is feigned. We are not powerless at all. We are simply in the habit of disengaging from the things that matter most. We can change that."
This fantastic book lays out long shot presidential candidate Marianne Williamson's basic platform of ideas she is calling "The Politics of Love." And it may sound like a far-out hippie generation concept by a new age woo-woo guru but the book is grounded in historical facts and a holistic understanding of the American mind and soul in ways that reach much wider than the narrow paradigm of politics as usual. In the wake of the current administration's social and moral blitzkrieg upon the American landscape, Marianne hits home run after home run of righteous indignation, cultural understanding, and practical steps towards healing a broken America and a destructive political system.
Here's a few choice quotes:
"A smug, self-righteous, intolerant left-winger poses no less danger to the emotional fabric of this nation than a smug, self-righteous, intolerant right-winger."
"The health and well-being of American children should be top on our list of national priorities. The means of self-actualization through education and culture should be available to every child, regardless of what neighborhood they live in. Their libraries should be fully funded temples of art and literacy. Their schools should be palaces of learning and joy. Their neighborhoods should all have safe and beautiful parks for them to play in.
To ask for those things doesn't mean we're asking for too much. Not asking for them means we're asking too little. There is no lack of money to do this. This is simply too much money going elsewhere.
Americans have become so habituated to skewed natural priorities that we're almost programmed to ask, 'But where would the money come from?'
'How would we pay for all that education and culture, health and safety?' ask those who have no problem whatsoever paying for ill-begotten wars and tax cuts for the wealthy. Such a question should be met with laughter from those who were never consulted as to how we would pay for a $2 trillion war in Iraq (which, among other things, created ISIS) or a $2 trillion tax cut for the wealthiest among us (which, among other things, is already adding to our wealth inequality)."
"Nothing holds more promise for the twenty-first century than a radical rethinking of our responsibility to children and young adults. This country should undertake a massive realignment of our resources in the direction of the young. We should make college and technical school available to everyone. We should cancel most college debts. And why should we do all these things? To unshackle the American spirit, to release the chains that bind our circumstances, to liberate the potential in every citizen...America's problem is the problem of a constricted heart. As individuals we are a good and decent people, but as a society we have become rather mean. It is time to reconsider. It is time to self-correct."
"We can change things on the level of effect over and over, but only when we change things on the level of cause are they fundamentally altered."
"The South hadn't given up slavery voluntarily; it gave it up for one reason only--that it lost the war. They thus surrendered their slaves but not their anger. The last thing the former slave-owner class of Southerners was ready to do for a population they had kicked to the ground for hundreds of years was to say, 'Great, now let's be friends.' A cold and cruel dehumanization of black people before the war was replaced with hit and violent rage after it ended."
"If you've kicked someone to the ground, you need to do more than just stop kicking; you have a moral responsibility to help them get back up. You can't just say to four million people who have had no experience other than that of forced labor, 'Glad you're free! Now good luck to ya! Hope you find a good job!"
"A politics of love does not ask what's expedient; it asks what is right and then seeks to do it."
"Scapegoating immigrants, particularly Mexicans, has been a primary fear tactic of our current president since the first day he announced his candidacy. Some took him seriously; some did not. Some saw the dangers of his rhetoric then; some did not. In fact, nothing is more dangerous than hate harnessed for political purposes.
Scapegoating is a deliberate dehumanization technique. Americans had to see Africans as somehow less than fully human to enslave them. Americans had to see Native Americans as savages in order to acquiesce to the destruction of their culture. Germans had to see Jews as weeds in the garden of humanity in order to put them into death camps. Rwandan Hutus had to see Tutsis as animals; Chinese had to see students at Tiananmen Square as criminals; Croatians had to see Bosnian Muslims as enemies of the state; which is how Turks had to see Armenians and Myanmar has to see Rohingyas today. Dehumanizing others has always been the required first step in the commitment of history's collective atrocities. Demonizing others brings out the demons in those who demonize."
"The plight of the modern refugee--the vast majority of whom are asylum seekers--is no different now than it ever was. What has changed is how anti-immigrant fervor has been weaponized in the modern era, taking a wrecking ball to something previously considered a point of pride for our country: that we're a nation of immigrants."
"At a certain time, abolishing slavery in America would not have been a reasonable proposition. Gaining women the right to vote would not have been seen as a reasonable proposition. Ending segregation would not have been seen as a reasonable proposition. When it comes to disrupting what appears like an intractable status quo, reason alone isn't our guiding light."
"Our powerlessness is feigned. We are not powerless at all. We are simply in the habit of disengaging from the things that matter most. We can change that."
June 28, 2024
(This review was originally written in early 2019.)
I just had the wonderful experience of discussing this book with my amazing friends.
It wasn’t so much a discussion about the book, or the author, but her message and how that will play in to the 2020 election.
Still, we must give credit for her message which was a stirring call to arms, that confronts the cancerous politics of fear and divisiveness threatening the United States today, urging all spiritually aware Americans to return to—and act out of—our deepest value: love.
Whether someone supports Marianne Williamson as a candidate or not (we did not), everyone needs this message of how we need to rediscover a politics of love, a politics that does not ignore our problems but faces them and commits to doing the right thing by solving them.
Williamson argues that we must do more than respond to external political issues. We must address the deeper, internal causes that have led this current dysfunction.
We need a new, whole-person politics of love that stems not just from the head but from the heart, not just from intellectual understanding but from a genuine affection for one another.
She continues by saying that if we commit to love, we will make a meaningful contribution.
She quotes Abraham Lincoln, “we must think anew, and act anew and then we shall save our country.”
The question remains, are we capable of saving our country – and who will be the best candidates to make this happen (we discussed this, too) – not just at the Presidential level.
Thank you again to my friends for a very stimulating, thought-provoking and relevant discussion.
Side note: even as I post this today in 2022, and feel that we did elect the best President, I am still in awe at what is happening to our country today with the damages created to our democracy through the Presidency of Trump - through his stop the steal campaign - through his continuous lies and his supporters who condone them - and even what we are learning through the January 6 commission - and the people who continue to believe the lies. Now we are in a post Roe world. A lot of what she shares in the book - her philosophies could help us now.
I just had the wonderful experience of discussing this book with my amazing friends.
It wasn’t so much a discussion about the book, or the author, but her message and how that will play in to the 2020 election.
Still, we must give credit for her message which was a stirring call to arms, that confronts the cancerous politics of fear and divisiveness threatening the United States today, urging all spiritually aware Americans to return to—and act out of—our deepest value: love.
Whether someone supports Marianne Williamson as a candidate or not (we did not), everyone needs this message of how we need to rediscover a politics of love, a politics that does not ignore our problems but faces them and commits to doing the right thing by solving them.
Williamson argues that we must do more than respond to external political issues. We must address the deeper, internal causes that have led this current dysfunction.
We need a new, whole-person politics of love that stems not just from the head but from the heart, not just from intellectual understanding but from a genuine affection for one another.
She continues by saying that if we commit to love, we will make a meaningful contribution.
She quotes Abraham Lincoln, “we must think anew, and act anew and then we shall save our country.”
The question remains, are we capable of saving our country – and who will be the best candidates to make this happen (we discussed this, too) – not just at the Presidential level.
Thank you again to my friends for a very stimulating, thought-provoking and relevant discussion.
Side note: even as I post this today in 2022, and feel that we did elect the best President, I am still in awe at what is happening to our country today with the damages created to our democracy through the Presidency of Trump - through his stop the steal campaign - through his continuous lies and his supporters who condone them - and even what we are learning through the January 6 commission - and the people who continue to believe the lies. Now we are in a post Roe world. A lot of what she shares in the book - her philosophies could help us now.
April 15, 2019
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.
I obtained this book at a pretty good time for me, as I was getting discouraged about the direction our country was taking in terms of discourse and policies. I didn't believe that anyone cared how others acted as long as they got what they wanted, and I felt that it was time to demand more from our politicians in their conduct and character.
Williamson convincingly points out that our policies are determined by economic gain rather than concern for our fellow human beings. She rationalizes that a fighter jet is not worth the billions of dollars that it cost when we have a substantial number of children that don't know where their next meal comes from.
I found myself agreeing with much of what Williamson says, but I can't give it more than three stars because there is no way that a conservative would be convinced by any of it. She is unabashedly liberal and admits it, even relating an eye-opening experience with some Trump supporters, but this isn't a book that tries very hard to bridge the gaps between the two parties. The message is: Republican policies bad; Democratic policies good. And while some who read this book will say, "Well, what's wrong with that? I agree with her." It seems like a missed opportunity to bridge the gap, ask some difficult questions, and try to find a common ground between both sides.
I obtained this book at a pretty good time for me, as I was getting discouraged about the direction our country was taking in terms of discourse and policies. I didn't believe that anyone cared how others acted as long as they got what they wanted, and I felt that it was time to demand more from our politicians in their conduct and character.
Williamson convincingly points out that our policies are determined by economic gain rather than concern for our fellow human beings. She rationalizes that a fighter jet is not worth the billions of dollars that it cost when we have a substantial number of children that don't know where their next meal comes from.
I found myself agreeing with much of what Williamson says, but I can't give it more than three stars because there is no way that a conservative would be convinced by any of it. She is unabashedly liberal and admits it, even relating an eye-opening experience with some Trump supporters, but this isn't a book that tries very hard to bridge the gaps between the two parties. The message is: Republican policies bad; Democratic policies good. And while some who read this book will say, "Well, what's wrong with that? I agree with her." It seems like a missed opportunity to bridge the gap, ask some difficult questions, and try to find a common ground between both sides.
June 27, 2019
Everyone regardless of their political beliefs should read this book. I am a little biased because I really do idolize Marianne Williamson but her ideas are so spot on for an evolving 21st-century culture. We MUST stop focusing on the materialism of the past and get back to caring about all humans if we are to move forward as a human race. I found myself nodding in agreement all the way through this book at how wise she is and if only all people thought this way of their fellow humans. It is no longer about winning and besting others but allowing all people to flourish by coming together. The current political climate is divisive and the only solution is to all work together to progress our society. She is surprisingly balanced in her viewpoints, in spite of being very left-leaning in outlook. She honestly gives a heartfelt diagnosis of what is going on in the world and smart solutions on what next. I hope more right-wing conservatives can put their viewpoints aside and read and absorb her message. She makes this very palatable for anyone with a heart.
July 14, 2019
I read this with interest when the author declared her run for the presidency. I gather she is being dismissed by some as too new-agey because of her previous bestselling book A Return to Love and its endorsement by Oprah Winfrey. However, I found nothing objectionable in what is essentially a series of essays offering a clear-eyed analysis and solutions to our country's many ills from racism to never-ending war. I find Williamson to be articulate, very sharp and yes, compassionate. (What's wrong with that? Misogyny at work yet again?) Having since seen her interviewed on the PBS Newshour, I am impressed by her sincerity and common sense. Her proposed "politics of love" is certainly a superior approach to the cynicism and anger we've been stewing in for decades. I don't expect she will be the Democratic candidate in 2020, but I do hope that her voice is heard and her ideas noted by the eventual pick.
February 10, 2020
This was the first body of work by Williamson I have encountered. I really enjoyed her approach, tone and positivity regarding our nation's current political situation, however, I would have liked to see more concrete examples or details behind her ideas. She would expand upon ideas until they became so abstract, I struggled to see where a solution could ever be found. The second half of the book did a better job of supplying the concrete, while the first half left me with a vague sense of how to feel when approaching political judgments or situations. I did appreciate the way in which Williamson challenges her readers to think about their current ideologies, and represented the transformational power in the ideas our nation was founded on. Overall, this was a good read, and one that is important in our current election season!
June 3, 2019
CAN OUR POLITICS CHANGE? So much disagreement, almost nobody seems happy with the status quo, even Trump supporting Republicans. The system is not working for many, including those who work hard and follow the rules. Many do not participate in our democracy at all. If we want things to change, we must participate and open our minds to different ideas and voices, regardless of where they come from. I’m an independent and not yet endorsing a candidate for the 2020 elections. Not for President, not for any other office. I have started to read about and listen to as many candidates as possible, study the issues, really consider who would best represent me, my family, my community, our country. One of the candidates who I’ve been reading about / listening to is Marianne Williamson. Marianne’s bio describes her as a lecturer, activist and author. She has devoted most of her adult life to advocating for others and sharing her tremendous insight through her books, videos, lectures. I have read many of Marianne’s books and find her work incredibly insightful (see “A Return to Love” and “Healing the Soul of America”). She has a tremendous understanding of this country’s history, its mistakes (yes, we make mistakes!) and ideas about how we can heal as a nation. In Marianne’s latest book, “A Politics of Love”, she addresses the current divisiveness in our politics and prescribes a new way forward. Marianne has a unique perspective on our challenges as a nation and she has garnered sufficient support to be eligible for the Dem debate stage. But even if the Dems don’t tweak the rules to knock out lesser known candidates like Marianne, it will be difficult to have her voice heard amongst so many. I encourage you to take a look for yourself. Marianne is willing to talk about things most will not (eg, reparations relating to slavery). I believe most of us are interested to hear new voices and to get the best ideas on the table. There are many people and forces in this country that seek to prevent this from happening, those that want to maintain the status quo or even turn back the clock. Marianne has progressive views on healthcare, racial reconciliation, climate change and foreign policy. She believes that love, not hate, is what will truly change our politics. That we need to prioritize taking care of those less fortunate and wage peace instead of war (she has proposed new federal agencies devoted to peace and children). While these concepts may sound quaint or even strange today, they are not radical ideas. Historic figures like Martin Luther King Jr and Dwight Eisenhower talked about waging peace. And business titans like Bill Gates and Ray Dalio have said the current situation with wealth inequality and an insufficient social safety net are not sustainable. Marianne has been a champion of these ideas for decades and is now aiming to bring them more firmly into the national dialogue. Marianne’s views / ideas will resonate with many but not all. But if we put aside our preconceived notions about how things are and instead focus on what could be, we will see our current challenges in a new light. If we all participate and focus on what’s important to us, our families and communities, we can restore our democracy and contribute to the common good. We can’t expect things to get better if we follow the same old play book.
August 7, 2019
I wanted to dislike this book. I wanted to think it was a cynical ploy to earn money off a presidential campaign publicity, but after reading it, I'm convinced that Williamson is a true believer in the power of love. She casts every issue as a battle between love and fear. Her framework of belief suggests that our problems as a nation are based on artificial dualities and divisions that don't accurately reflect our interdependent world.
Williamson argues that refugees share the same humanity as U.S. citizens, so we need to treat them as human beings, not as enemies. She says something similar about the poor, while arguing for universal health care and affordable education. She presents a bold argument for assisting the African-American community through a reparations fund, claiming that we won't solve race problems until we make good on past promises the government made to former slaves.
The toughest sell for a conservative audience is the idea that we live in a culture of fear that convinces us to spend more and more on the military and less and less on health and human services. To reverse this, Williamson proposes a Department of Peace (a la Dennis Kucinich) and a stronger State Department.
Marianne quotes Teilhard de Chardin, "Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire." Her arguments for love-based politics may sound trite in our cynical age, but she is an intelligent and impressive writer and orator, and I guarantee that she'll get you thinking, and by the end of the book you may be a believer in political miracles.
Williamson argues that refugees share the same humanity as U.S. citizens, so we need to treat them as human beings, not as enemies. She says something similar about the poor, while arguing for universal health care and affordable education. She presents a bold argument for assisting the African-American community through a reparations fund, claiming that we won't solve race problems until we make good on past promises the government made to former slaves.
The toughest sell for a conservative audience is the idea that we live in a culture of fear that convinces us to spend more and more on the military and less and less on health and human services. To reverse this, Williamson proposes a Department of Peace (a la Dennis Kucinich) and a stronger State Department.
Marianne quotes Teilhard de Chardin, "Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire." Her arguments for love-based politics may sound trite in our cynical age, but she is an intelligent and impressive writer and orator, and I guarantee that she'll get you thinking, and by the end of the book you may be a believer in political miracles.
October 16, 2019
I'm trying to learn more about the prospective democratic candidates for the 2020 presidency by reading what they have written.
I've only heard of Marianne Williamson as an inspirational speaker so her political views were totally new to me. Her views are definitely not mainstream liberal or progressive and she has no political (elected) background. The current political state is at a stalement with the us-versus-them thinking. She, on the other hand, believes we can do better as a nation when we think and act out of love and compassion. This is definitely NOT beltway thinking but it could be what the USA needs and is looking for. We are better than what we've become in the last few decades. The corruption, greed, and military-industrial complex has to give way so that the average American can live life to the fullest.
Does she have a chance at the nomination? No, but her thoughts ought to be heard.
I don't like her writing style. She actually used the word "individualating". There has to be a better word than this.
Good book to read pre-election.
I've only heard of Marianne Williamson as an inspirational speaker so her political views were totally new to me. Her views are definitely not mainstream liberal or progressive and she has no political (elected) background. The current political state is at a stalement with the us-versus-them thinking. She, on the other hand, believes we can do better as a nation when we think and act out of love and compassion. This is definitely NOT beltway thinking but it could be what the USA needs and is looking for. We are better than what we've become in the last few decades. The corruption, greed, and military-industrial complex has to give way so that the average American can live life to the fullest.
Does she have a chance at the nomination? No, but her thoughts ought to be heard.
I don't like her writing style. She actually used the word "individualating". There has to be a better word than this.
Good book to read pre-election.
May 21, 2019
"A politics of love is bold because love is bold. A politics of love does not just ask what's expedient; it asks what is right, and then seeks to do it."
"Love is a wiser, more evolved, and more powerful modus operandi than fear, if our goal is to bequeath a habitable world to our children and our children's children."
She hits on everything that is wrong with America right now : the divisiveness, inequality of wealth, war vs peace, racism, islamophobia, anti-immigration in general. We need to listen to each other and not judge. We need to stand up for the oppressed.
"Love is a wiser, more evolved, and more powerful modus operandi than fear, if our goal is to bequeath a habitable world to our children and our children's children."
She hits on everything that is wrong with America right now : the divisiveness, inequality of wealth, war vs peace, racism, islamophobia, anti-immigration in general. We need to listen to each other and not judge. We need to stand up for the oppressed.
May 22, 2019
Whether someone supports Marianne Williamson as a candidate or not, everyone needs this message of how we need to rediscover a politics of love, a politics that does not ignore our problems but faces them and commits to doing the right thing by solving them. She argues that what made America great in the past was when our politics was defined by love versus by fear or self-interest (civil rights, women's suffrage, even taken on Nazi Germany was done out of love for justice and peace). I wish all the candidates would read and quote from this book.
July 6, 2019
Marianne Williamson won't be the Democratic presidential nominee in 2020. However, her book is in the mainstream with other candidates. Not only does she cover much of the current socioeconomic ground on politically highlighted areas, she offers what appears to be heartfelt takes on improving our country through engaging the electorate. I didn't know if I'd like this, the first of her books I've read. It was much better than expected.
August 2, 2019
If you think Williamson is a bit strange, that’s okay. But she says a lot things that make sense. This book isn’t religious, it’s about getting back to where we should be, to helping each other, to realize our strength when we come together. Please read this book, look around, and ask where our country is going. #vote
September 21, 2019
I really like Marianne Williamson. After watching her, I always thought she was misunderstood, and she's actually a lot smarter than people give her credit for. Many people just label her "crazy", becuase that's the easiest thing to do. But as you'll learn in this book, she's pretty sharp.
May 16, 2019
This is a great view on another way to think! A great teacher!
June 14, 2019
This is the world I want to live in.
August 12, 2022
Intéressant de comprendre comment l’amour et les émotions peuvent être introduites en politique. Cependant, la théorie politique de fond est assez simpliste et trop idéaliste; le livre très répétitif.
August 11, 2019
Refreshing. Feasible. It just might work. Love. Imagine that!
June 16, 2019
Marianne Williamson bristles at the characterization of her work as "self-help," but I don't know how else one could categorize this book. The politics presented here are refreshing, and I see the value of a book of this nature at reaching people outside the political sphere. Anyone afraid Williamson is essentially Joel Osteen trying to cover conservative views with flowery language will quickly realize the opposite is true. Williamson is easily among the farthest-left candidates on the Democratic side.
That said, this book is way, way too light on political substance to recommend as either a window into her governance theory or an educational tool regarding contemporary political issues. I could've done with much less "reverence for earth and sky" and "sub-consciously abandoning holiness" language (prepare yourself for a lot of this prose), along with substantially more sourcing and specifics.
Perhaps the most frustrating element of the book is that Williamson's actual level of understanding is clearly higher than what's on display here. Her interviews with news outlets display an obvious political intelligence that bolsters her clear moral narrative and rapid wit.
I would easily recommend this book to a political newbie looking to find their place in a chaotic discourse, but anyone else can skip it.
That said, this book is way, way too light on political substance to recommend as either a window into her governance theory or an educational tool regarding contemporary political issues. I could've done with much less "reverence for earth and sky" and "sub-consciously abandoning holiness" language (prepare yourself for a lot of this prose), along with substantially more sourcing and specifics.
Perhaps the most frustrating element of the book is that Williamson's actual level of understanding is clearly higher than what's on display here. Her interviews with news outlets display an obvious political intelligence that bolsters her clear moral narrative and rapid wit.
I would easily recommend this book to a political newbie looking to find their place in a chaotic discourse, but anyone else can skip it.
July 2, 2019
I don't really know how to rate this, I guess I would say it's a 3.5. Marianne has a point, friends, even if she doesn't necessarily have a plan. Or maybe her plan is so simple (love, duh), that it doesn't require explanation. This quick read is worth it to hear her talk about reparations -
"If you steal a lot of money from someone - and more than two hundred years of unpaid labor certainly amounts to a lot of it - then you owe them more than an apology. You owe them money." -
And the hypocrisy of our "we don't negotiate with terrorists" philosophy, which she admits created ISIS. She says a lot that you won't hear out of most of the Dem candidates and on the love thing - she's probably right. It's sort of tragic that everyone sees her as a joke - we are proving her point.
"If you steal a lot of money from someone - and more than two hundred years of unpaid labor certainly amounts to a lot of it - then you owe them more than an apology. You owe them money." -
And the hypocrisy of our "we don't negotiate with terrorists" philosophy, which she admits created ISIS. She says a lot that you won't hear out of most of the Dem candidates and on the love thing - she's probably right. It's sort of tragic that everyone sees her as a joke - we are proving her point.
May 18, 2019
I have loved Marianne Williamson for years, read her books and they always uplifted me and made me feel better. This one.....not so much, so bad I couldn't finish it. Maybe because it was political in nature. I get she doesn't like conservatives but lets try to meet in the middle. Ms. Williamson doesn't do that and basically there are so much out there to read, I didn't want to waste another second of my time on this liberal garbage. This country is so great because of our differences, too bad this author can't see that.
December 31, 2019
The renowned speaker, New York Times Bestselling author, and now Presidential candidate addresses many points that other candidates don't. Her passion, knowledge, and brilliance focus toward the need for a fervent, fiery, loving consciousness coupled with action by all citizens to reclaim the American dream. I appreciate her couching this in terms of love, as Martin Luther King, bell hooks, and others have. But this focus in the first few chapters (& bits throughout) seemed a bit airy and at times repetitive.
June 8, 2019
This is the first book with solutions for how to mend a severely divided America. Uplifting, motivational and for some an education, for others confirmation, about what America is really going through.
July 8, 2023
Excellent book!
May 2, 2019
Definitely worth the read. I'm a bit spoiled because I've gotten used to authors reading their own books - wish Marianne was reading... I guess running for president takes a lot of time ;)
June 30, 2019
Vital reading for all
A book to change the way you look at politics and the news. A synthesis of politics and profound spiritual principles.
A book to change the way you look at politics and the news. A synthesis of politics and profound spiritual principles.
August 23, 2019
Everyone should read this book
I have read several of her books but this one is best. Should be required reading for all politicians and the press.
I have read several of her books but this one is best. Should be required reading for all politicians and the press.
December 27, 2019
I have followed Marianne Williamson through her lectures, books, and previous congressional campaign since 2013. Although there a few things I cannot entirely agree with her about, I personally see her as an influential change agent who legitimately wants to bring peace to the world. A Politics of Love is her most recent book and likely published to support her current platform as a candidate for the U.S. Presidency. What I sincerely respect about this book is her willingness to criticize Republicans, Democrats, and Progressives on certain failures. It seems, according to Williamson, that both parties are responsible for advocating for a bloated military budget and nation-building while neglecting critical issues here at home. Williamson further expresses her dissatisfaction with the blatant ignorance of our nation's leaders and representatives for deliberately ignoring the struggle of Native Americans and Ethnic minorities and refusing to apologize for the wrongs of our past. I Concur with her that unless we as a nation atone for our wrongdoings, we will not be able to move forward.
Williamson also brings to light an easy excuse perpetrated by mainstream media and elitist representatives of various interests for not adequately funding vital social programs to help poor and working-class families in America. She rightfully called out the enormous amount of money spent on war and defense coupled with the corporate welfare under the guise of tax breaks and subsidies given to the wealthiest people and corporations, none of which impact nor improve the quality of life for the people in our nation who need it most. I applaud her for exposing out national hypocrisy. I particularly appreciate her quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, when he stated: "When they give it to the rich, they call it a subsidy; when they give it to the poor, they call it a handout." Earlier in that paragraph, Williamson also wrote, "The majority of America's poor are not looking for handouts but for a fair shot—which too often they are not receiving now. There is a difference between handouts and simple economic justice." She hit the nail in the head.
I wholeheartedly believe that the working class and poor Americans are tired of being victimized! They want to be empowered, seen, heard, and given a fair shot. Whether people like him or not, this is precisely why Donald Trump won the 2016 electoral college, which declared him the winner of the presidential election. The Democratic party keeps paying lip service to poor Americans with no vision or plan to come up with opportunities and pave the way forward for a better future and refuses to take responsibility for their faults and internal struggles. A majority of Americans saw that and chose to throw their support behind Donald Trump for better or worse because he at least came to visit people in states whose jobs and livelihoods were outsourced overseas and eliminated due to automation. He also strategically used the immigration blame game. When people are in difficult circumstances, they will relinquish power to someone whom they believe can advocate for them. It has happened many times throughout world history. Instead of coming to grips with that reality and coming up with a new strategy and vision, the Democratic party resorts to frivolous accusations, none of which are helping the party or the people of this nation move forward.
I also acknowledge that some of the proposed ideas are a bit idealistic and naive. The immigration issue Williamson addresses I find particularly contentious. I understand that immigrants who come to the U.S. are seeking a better life, as did my family and I. But when people violate the law, it does frustrate those of us who had to wait to come in legally. That doesn't take away from the fact that I do not sympathize or hurt for those who come from war and crime torn, destabilized countries, most from Mexico and Latin America. But I also believe in the rule of and law and acknowledge that there is much work to be done to make this process easier and more fluid. I also condemn the issue of children who are being taken away from their parents, which is truly unacceptable and applaud the author for addressing this issue.
I am, at the same time, undecided about her decision to establish a "Department of Peace." If you read the White Man's Burden by William Easterling, there is a lot of legitimate data and analysis on how little foreign aid has helped to restore other nations, particularly those who are poverty prone. It seems that a high percentage of foreign assistance goes to wealthy elites and warlords and not to the people who need it. It would certainly seem to me that promoting peace at home and tackling a myriad of sensitive and delicate issues domestically is a better place to start. If we can handle things here at home, imagine what an example we can set to the rest of the world.
Furthermore, I believe the founding of our country and the original ideals of America from Williamson’s standpoint fall slightly short of the mark. Yes, the creation of the constitution and the brilliance of our founding fathers has undoubtedly given this nation much hope. But our founding fathers had flaws of their own. And regardless of how much they promoted education and civic virtue, they still very much believed in the “natural aristocracy," meaning that individual members of society were uniquely qualified to be in positions of power by virtue of their experience and education. However, the problem with this is, and Thomas Jefferson saw that not all “aristocrats” are noble and desire to do the right thing. The National Review published a fascinating article on 27 October 2017, which specifically explored this idea for anyone interested in reading more about it.
Lastly, I would like to conclude that despite our nation’s woes and delusions, I still choose to see America as a beacon of hope, and Marianne would most certainly agree based on everything written in this book. However, our influence is as a nation is waning rapidly as we lose focus on the critical issues at hand. The rest of the world is watching us. Countries such as China and Russia are laughing at our political instability. Our lack of fortitude to admit where we have fallen short as well as our ineptitude to handle issues on the domestic front. We can either take charge and set the right example or allow our country to implode from within. Now is time to put together a plan of action to establish a national vision to resuscitate our nation and its people. It can be done while still recognizing and providing autonomy to the states. Let us not forget; this is not just one country; it is a union of 50 states with individual needs, challenges, and demographics. If we do not pay attention to that, we risk establishing a powerful central government that could further escalate civil strife. Some argue we are already at that point.
Although I cannot entirely agree with Marianne Williamson on some issues, she still has my dedicated and unconditional support. At the very least, even if she does not make it all the way to be the Democratic nominee, she should take every opportunity to travel and spread her message to as many people as possible. It just might inspire enough people to take action in the near future. I also encourage reading Marianne Williamson’s book, Healing the Soul of America, which was initially published in 2004 but recently had a new edition released in 2018. This book is a more in-depth version of A Politics of Love.
Wishing you all the best, Marianne
The views and opinions expressed in this review are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization of the U.S. government.
Williamson also brings to light an easy excuse perpetrated by mainstream media and elitist representatives of various interests for not adequately funding vital social programs to help poor and working-class families in America. She rightfully called out the enormous amount of money spent on war and defense coupled with the corporate welfare under the guise of tax breaks and subsidies given to the wealthiest people and corporations, none of which impact nor improve the quality of life for the people in our nation who need it most. I applaud her for exposing out national hypocrisy. I particularly appreciate her quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, when he stated: "When they give it to the rich, they call it a subsidy; when they give it to the poor, they call it a handout." Earlier in that paragraph, Williamson also wrote, "The majority of America's poor are not looking for handouts but for a fair shot—which too often they are not receiving now. There is a difference between handouts and simple economic justice." She hit the nail in the head.
I wholeheartedly believe that the working class and poor Americans are tired of being victimized! They want to be empowered, seen, heard, and given a fair shot. Whether people like him or not, this is precisely why Donald Trump won the 2016 electoral college, which declared him the winner of the presidential election. The Democratic party keeps paying lip service to poor Americans with no vision or plan to come up with opportunities and pave the way forward for a better future and refuses to take responsibility for their faults and internal struggles. A majority of Americans saw that and chose to throw their support behind Donald Trump for better or worse because he at least came to visit people in states whose jobs and livelihoods were outsourced overseas and eliminated due to automation. He also strategically used the immigration blame game. When people are in difficult circumstances, they will relinquish power to someone whom they believe can advocate for them. It has happened many times throughout world history. Instead of coming to grips with that reality and coming up with a new strategy and vision, the Democratic party resorts to frivolous accusations, none of which are helping the party or the people of this nation move forward.
I also acknowledge that some of the proposed ideas are a bit idealistic and naive. The immigration issue Williamson addresses I find particularly contentious. I understand that immigrants who come to the U.S. are seeking a better life, as did my family and I. But when people violate the law, it does frustrate those of us who had to wait to come in legally. That doesn't take away from the fact that I do not sympathize or hurt for those who come from war and crime torn, destabilized countries, most from Mexico and Latin America. But I also believe in the rule of and law and acknowledge that there is much work to be done to make this process easier and more fluid. I also condemn the issue of children who are being taken away from their parents, which is truly unacceptable and applaud the author for addressing this issue.
I am, at the same time, undecided about her decision to establish a "Department of Peace." If you read the White Man's Burden by William Easterling, there is a lot of legitimate data and analysis on how little foreign aid has helped to restore other nations, particularly those who are poverty prone. It seems that a high percentage of foreign assistance goes to wealthy elites and warlords and not to the people who need it. It would certainly seem to me that promoting peace at home and tackling a myriad of sensitive and delicate issues domestically is a better place to start. If we can handle things here at home, imagine what an example we can set to the rest of the world.
Furthermore, I believe the founding of our country and the original ideals of America from Williamson’s standpoint fall slightly short of the mark. Yes, the creation of the constitution and the brilliance of our founding fathers has undoubtedly given this nation much hope. But our founding fathers had flaws of their own. And regardless of how much they promoted education and civic virtue, they still very much believed in the “natural aristocracy," meaning that individual members of society were uniquely qualified to be in positions of power by virtue of their experience and education. However, the problem with this is, and Thomas Jefferson saw that not all “aristocrats” are noble and desire to do the right thing. The National Review published a fascinating article on 27 October 2017, which specifically explored this idea for anyone interested in reading more about it.
Lastly, I would like to conclude that despite our nation’s woes and delusions, I still choose to see America as a beacon of hope, and Marianne would most certainly agree based on everything written in this book. However, our influence is as a nation is waning rapidly as we lose focus on the critical issues at hand. The rest of the world is watching us. Countries such as China and Russia are laughing at our political instability. Our lack of fortitude to admit where we have fallen short as well as our ineptitude to handle issues on the domestic front. We can either take charge and set the right example or allow our country to implode from within. Now is time to put together a plan of action to establish a national vision to resuscitate our nation and its people. It can be done while still recognizing and providing autonomy to the states. Let us not forget; this is not just one country; it is a union of 50 states with individual needs, challenges, and demographics. If we do not pay attention to that, we risk establishing a powerful central government that could further escalate civil strife. Some argue we are already at that point.
Although I cannot entirely agree with Marianne Williamson on some issues, she still has my dedicated and unconditional support. At the very least, even if she does not make it all the way to be the Democratic nominee, she should take every opportunity to travel and spread her message to as many people as possible. It just might inspire enough people to take action in the near future. I also encourage reading Marianne Williamson’s book, Healing the Soul of America, which was initially published in 2004 but recently had a new edition released in 2018. This book is a more in-depth version of A Politics of Love.
Wishing you all the best, Marianne
The views and opinions expressed in this review are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization of the U.S. government.
October 8, 2019
"Love not only makes a crisis endurable; it makes it transformable. For where there is love, miracles happen. Love changes people, and when people are changed we change the world around us."
"Many fail to realize either the collective reasons for our problems, or the collective changes necessary in order to solve them."
"Any person, economic system, or political establishment that fails to concern itself with the pain of others is out of alignment with spiritual truth. And where there is a lack of spiritual alignment, chaos is inevitable. Spirituality is the path of the heart, and compassion for the human condition."
"Love is the angel of our better nature, just as fear is the demon of the lower self. And it is love, not fear, that has made us great."
"Democracy is never safe from those who find it inconvenient to their purposes."
"In the words of President John F. Kennedy, 'Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.'"
"A politics of love sees the world through reverent eyes, viewing love, not economics, as the most enlightened organizing principle for human civilization."
"The world has never been perfect, but our job is to make it better now. As an old rabbinical saying goes, 'You are not expected to complete the task, but neither are you allowed to abandon it.'"
"In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, 'The end is inherent in the means.'"
"No serious religious path gives anyone a pass on addressing the suffering of other sentient beings."
"Political issues are moral issues."
"Whether for an individual or for a nation, every crisis comes with two things: a reflection of who we have been, and an invitation to become who we need to become."
"We were born with an audacious spirit, and that audacity runs in our veins even now."
"Goodness must be willed; it doesn't necessarily happen of itself. It's not enough to not intend to do harm; our moral responsibility is to intend to do good. And then do it."
"It should be part of our spiritual practice to remember that no one has a monopoly on truth. Our capacity to listen to each other is more urgently needed now than our capacity to yell at each other. Hate anywhere is a toxin everywhere, and if we demonize each other personally, then we're wrong even if we're right."
"We don't all have to agree with each other, but how we disagree is a crucial issue in a politics of love."
"Nonviolence means more than giving up physical violence; it means giving up emotional and psychological violence as well."
"A miracle is a shift in our thinking from fear to love, and when our thinking shifts, then everything changes. Synapses in the brain, relationship vectors between and among us, new possibilities both psychological and material, automatically unfold. Things are hopeless only if miracles do not occur, and because miracles do occur naturally as expressions of love, things are not actually hopeless."
"A politics of love, then, takes a stand."
"In the words of Elie Wiesel, 'We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.'"
"Some negative things expand for the very reason that we did not look at them."
"An economic model that steals from the American worker on the promise that, once having been stolen, the money will then be returned to them by the thieves who took it in the first place is patently absurd."
"An unfettered global capitalism, untethered to any ethical consideration beyond its fiduciary responsibility to stockholders, is both a political and spiritual abomination. Any system that lacks compassion, love, and conscience is out of alignment with the moral laws of the universe and in time will produce chaos."
"care for our children should not be a charity issue, but a justice issue."
"Let's ask instead what price we're paying by not doing more to help our children. Or to be exact, the price that our children are paying and will continue to pay."
"The most sophisticated kind of long-term planning focuses on getting things right at the beginning."
"Nothing humanity has created can begin to rival the potential of the human brain, and no human brain carries more potential than the brain of a child."
"In the words of the poet William Butler Yeats, 'Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.'"
"No system thrives that doesn't prepare its continuation."
"There is no opening our hearts to God without opening our hearts to each other, for our God-given purpose on the earth is to love one another. We feel blessed when we choose to bless others, and we cannot feel blessed when we withhold our blessing from others. We cannot find God outside our relationship to each other."
"If you've kicked someone to the ground, you need to do more than just stop kicking; you have a moral responsibility to help them get back up."
"A politics of love is bold because love is bold. A politics of love does not just ask what's expedient; it asks what is right, and then seeks to do it."
"nothing is more dangerous than hatred harnessed for political purposes."
"Dehumanizing others has always been the required first step in the commitment of history's collective atrocities. Demonizing others brings out the demons in those who demonize."
"There are no strangers in God's universe, nor need there be any strangers in the family of man."
"National borders have a place in our material functioning. But they should be used to organize our societies, not to divide our hearts."
"our freedom was created through extraordinary struggle and sacrifice, meant to be passed from generation to generation. What we have received from our ancestors it is our moral responsibility to pass on to others."
"In the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 'We must do more than end war. We must end the beginnings of all wars.'"
"We can't just go around fighting violence all the time; we must learn how to cultivate peace."
"You simply can't outsource your thinking, your conscience, or your heart."
"Love is not a less sophisticated worldview; it is a more sophisticated worldview."
"The best way to create a more peaceful world is to treat people with greater compassion."
"In the words of President John F. Kennedy, 'This country cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor.'"
"It is not the radicalism of hate that is our biggest danger today; our biggest danger is that we lack the radicalism of love. That is the revolution now to be waged: a change in our thoughts, along with a change in our behavior, along with change in our institutions, along with a change in our votes, that will lead in time to a change in our world."
"We should participate in politics with the same level of consciousness we bring to intimate love and therapy, parenting, and all of our most important and meaningful pursuits. We should bring all of ourselves to politics."
"The small pleasures of life turn out to be the best ones. Small, random acts of kindness really do occur everywhere; we need to take all that love now and turn it into power."
"The good, the true, and the beautiful emerge from a quantum realm of infinite possibility, when love and intention and commitment and devotion override all other factors."
"Many fail to realize either the collective reasons for our problems, or the collective changes necessary in order to solve them."
"Any person, economic system, or political establishment that fails to concern itself with the pain of others is out of alignment with spiritual truth. And where there is a lack of spiritual alignment, chaos is inevitable. Spirituality is the path of the heart, and compassion for the human condition."
"Love is the angel of our better nature, just as fear is the demon of the lower self. And it is love, not fear, that has made us great."
"Democracy is never safe from those who find it inconvenient to their purposes."
"In the words of President John F. Kennedy, 'Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.'"
"A politics of love sees the world through reverent eyes, viewing love, not economics, as the most enlightened organizing principle for human civilization."
"The world has never been perfect, but our job is to make it better now. As an old rabbinical saying goes, 'You are not expected to complete the task, but neither are you allowed to abandon it.'"
"In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, 'The end is inherent in the means.'"
"No serious religious path gives anyone a pass on addressing the suffering of other sentient beings."
"Political issues are moral issues."
"Whether for an individual or for a nation, every crisis comes with two things: a reflection of who we have been, and an invitation to become who we need to become."
"We were born with an audacious spirit, and that audacity runs in our veins even now."
"Goodness must be willed; it doesn't necessarily happen of itself. It's not enough to not intend to do harm; our moral responsibility is to intend to do good. And then do it."
"It should be part of our spiritual practice to remember that no one has a monopoly on truth. Our capacity to listen to each other is more urgently needed now than our capacity to yell at each other. Hate anywhere is a toxin everywhere, and if we demonize each other personally, then we're wrong even if we're right."
"We don't all have to agree with each other, but how we disagree is a crucial issue in a politics of love."
"Nonviolence means more than giving up physical violence; it means giving up emotional and psychological violence as well."
"A miracle is a shift in our thinking from fear to love, and when our thinking shifts, then everything changes. Synapses in the brain, relationship vectors between and among us, new possibilities both psychological and material, automatically unfold. Things are hopeless only if miracles do not occur, and because miracles do occur naturally as expressions of love, things are not actually hopeless."
"A politics of love, then, takes a stand."
"In the words of Elie Wiesel, 'We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.'"
"Some negative things expand for the very reason that we did not look at them."
"An economic model that steals from the American worker on the promise that, once having been stolen, the money will then be returned to them by the thieves who took it in the first place is patently absurd."
"An unfettered global capitalism, untethered to any ethical consideration beyond its fiduciary responsibility to stockholders, is both a political and spiritual abomination. Any system that lacks compassion, love, and conscience is out of alignment with the moral laws of the universe and in time will produce chaos."
"care for our children should not be a charity issue, but a justice issue."
"Let's ask instead what price we're paying by not doing more to help our children. Or to be exact, the price that our children are paying and will continue to pay."
"The most sophisticated kind of long-term planning focuses on getting things right at the beginning."
"Nothing humanity has created can begin to rival the potential of the human brain, and no human brain carries more potential than the brain of a child."
"In the words of the poet William Butler Yeats, 'Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.'"
"No system thrives that doesn't prepare its continuation."
"There is no opening our hearts to God without opening our hearts to each other, for our God-given purpose on the earth is to love one another. We feel blessed when we choose to bless others, and we cannot feel blessed when we withhold our blessing from others. We cannot find God outside our relationship to each other."
"If you've kicked someone to the ground, you need to do more than just stop kicking; you have a moral responsibility to help them get back up."
"A politics of love is bold because love is bold. A politics of love does not just ask what's expedient; it asks what is right, and then seeks to do it."
"nothing is more dangerous than hatred harnessed for political purposes."
"Dehumanizing others has always been the required first step in the commitment of history's collective atrocities. Demonizing others brings out the demons in those who demonize."
"There are no strangers in God's universe, nor need there be any strangers in the family of man."
"National borders have a place in our material functioning. But they should be used to organize our societies, not to divide our hearts."
"our freedom was created through extraordinary struggle and sacrifice, meant to be passed from generation to generation. What we have received from our ancestors it is our moral responsibility to pass on to others."
"In the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 'We must do more than end war. We must end the beginnings of all wars.'"
"We can't just go around fighting violence all the time; we must learn how to cultivate peace."
"You simply can't outsource your thinking, your conscience, or your heart."
"Love is not a less sophisticated worldview; it is a more sophisticated worldview."
"The best way to create a more peaceful world is to treat people with greater compassion."
"In the words of President John F. Kennedy, 'This country cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor.'"
"It is not the radicalism of hate that is our biggest danger today; our biggest danger is that we lack the radicalism of love. That is the revolution now to be waged: a change in our thoughts, along with a change in our behavior, along with change in our institutions, along with a change in our votes, that will lead in time to a change in our world."
"We should participate in politics with the same level of consciousness we bring to intimate love and therapy, parenting, and all of our most important and meaningful pursuits. We should bring all of ourselves to politics."
"The small pleasures of life turn out to be the best ones. Small, random acts of kindness really do occur everywhere; we need to take all that love now and turn it into power."
"The good, the true, and the beautiful emerge from a quantum realm of infinite possibility, when love and intention and commitment and devotion override all other factors."
November 2, 2020
After having read this book, I now view Marianne Williamson as the much, much calmer version of Senator Sanders because there are a lot of similarities, but without the anger. I totally agree that to bring about the next revolution that we do have to first look within in order to think and to behave in a way that is beneficial to all. We must return to the idea of us as a collective trying to advance together as opposed to advancing as individuals at the expense of other individuals.
I particularly enjoyed the sections on education and the military.
I recommend this book.
————————————————
“A belief in separation is always at the root of a problem, and a realization of our oneness is always at the root of its solution.”
“We don’t just need a progressive politics or a conservative politics; we need a more deeply human politics. We need a politics of love. Love is the angel of our better nature, just as fear is the demon of the lower self. And it is love, not fear, that has made us great. When politics is used for loveless purposes, love and love alone can override it. It was love that abolished slavery, it was love that gave women suffrage, it was love that established civil rights, and it is love that we need now.”
“We need to display as much conviction behind our love as some have displayed behind their hate.”
I particularly enjoyed the sections on education and the military.
I recommend this book.
————————————————
“A belief in separation is always at the root of a problem, and a realization of our oneness is always at the root of its solution.”
“We don’t just need a progressive politics or a conservative politics; we need a more deeply human politics. We need a politics of love. Love is the angel of our better nature, just as fear is the demon of the lower self. And it is love, not fear, that has made us great. When politics is used for loveless purposes, love and love alone can override it. It was love that abolished slavery, it was love that gave women suffrage, it was love that established civil rights, and it is love that we need now.”
“We need to display as much conviction behind our love as some have displayed behind their hate.”
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