Love Notes: for a Politics of Love

by Philip McKibbin

In Love Notes, a collection of articles, essays, and presentations, Philip McKibbin introduces the Politics of Love and explores the possibilities of this emerging theory. The Politics of Love affirms the importance of love and reimagines our relationships: to ourselves, each other, non- human animals, and the natural environment. This love is inclusive, critical, generous, and constructive. Instead of a politics of fear and distrust, of separation and narrow-mindedness, the Politics of Love presents a new vision that extends beyond individuals, families, the nation state, and even human beings: it is love that will bring about justice for other species, and it may also enable us to address climate change. This book presents an intellectual journey; it charts a course for the future, and invites you to help take the Politics of Love forward.

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2019

About the author

Philip McKibbin is a writer from Aotearoa New Zealand. He is of Pākehā (New Zealand European) and Māori (Ngāi Tahu) descent. He has written for the Guardian, Renegade Inc, and Takahē. He holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy from The University of Auckland, and a Diploma in Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi (Māori Language Excellence) from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. He first wrote about the Politics of Love in 2015, with his friend and fellow New Zealander Max Harris. In 2018, they hosted “The Politics of Love: A Conference” at All Souls College, Oxford. His book Love Notes: for a Politics of Love is published by Lantern Books, in New York.

Reviews

[Kim Stallwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first met Philip McKibbin at the Minding Animals International Conference in Mexico in 2018. I wasn't aware of him then but was intrigued by the title of his talk, The Politics of Love (I believe it was), listed in the conference program. I was intrigued and decided to listen to what he had to say. Afterward, I congratulated him on his talk. We chatted briefly. I pointed out that we shared similar perspectives on animal ethics and related matters.

Then, he read my book, Growl, which is about my work as a long-standing animal rights advocate. He subsequently invited me to speak at a conference, The Politics of Love, he was co-organising with Max Harris at All Souls College Oxford in 2018. I spoke about animal rights in the context of a politics of love. Here, he invited me to think about collaborating with him on articles about our shared interests. Subsequently, we became long-distance friends (New Zealand and England respectively) via Skype and email and have published a couple of articles.

It is only now (February 2020) that I have been able to catch up with reading Philip's book Love Notes. I always knew that it was going to be a worthwhile read but I didn't appreciate how persuasive and eloquent it would be. It's a collection of short pieces that often overlap and intertwine. The writing style is conversational but elegant.

I don't want to say any more here as the most important thing I would like you to know is that I highly recommend this book. If your interests aren't satisfied with how society's values currently are and you want to be inspired by an alternative holistic and ethical way of thinking, then, you will not go wrong by giving this book a try.

[Alexandra Verkholantseva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very important book that I believe everyone needs to read nowadays.
The ideas discussed are what's necessary to make a positive change in the world and avoid or alleviate the crises humanity is facing. The author gives you lots of inspiration and food for thought.
I recommend this book to every person who believes we can do things better in the modern world.

[Martin Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm the publisher of this book, and wanted to say a few words on why I decided to publish it. I was skeptical about the notion of love and politics going together: too wishy-washy; just well-meaning liberalism without the toughness required of corralling coalitions and creating change. But McKibbin makes the case forcefully and expansively, all the while recognizing that to many readers the notion may still sound absurd and wishful thinking. McKibbin ranges widely over social justice, environmental and animal rights concerns, and (I think most compellingly) in looking at his own Maori heritage as a native New Zealander for signs that our politics (broadly conceived) needn't be as partisan, destructive, or unrewarding as it currently is. This is a promising first book from a promising writer and thinker.