Mending America's Political Divide: What Science Tells Us About Solving The Political Hatred Between The Left and The Right

by René H. Levy

If you feel that the current political divisions are harming our country, this book is for you because it provides a science-based, stepwise, approach to build constructive partisanship and re-learn how to engage with and live with political disagreements. Because its approach appeals to our reason as well as our emotions those who reviewed this book found it “transformative.”

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2020

About the author

Rene H. Levy, PhD is Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington in Seattle where he served as chair of the Department of Pharmaceutics for 26 years. His interest in neuroscience grew out of his work in the field of epilepsy where he published more than 300 research articles and edited several books on the treatment of epilepsy.

Dr. Levy received numerous awards: “Ambassador for Epilepsy” in 1989, “Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science” in 2007, “Lifetime Achievement Award from the Epilepsy Foundation” in 2011, and the William G. Lennox-Cesare T. Lombroso Award, the highest award given by the American Epilepsy Society, in 2013.

In the last decade, Dr Levy drew on his interest in neuroscience to authored a first book called “Baseless Hatred: What It Is and What You Can Do About It” (Gefen Publishing).

After the 2016 election, when political hatred became a source of societal cleavage among family, friends, Dr Levy wrote “Mending America’s Political Divide,” to provide the reader not trained in science with an understanding of the barriers separating Democrat and Republican partisans, and with the “People-Over Politics Action Plan,” a stepwise approach to re-learn how to engage with and live with political disagreements.

Instagram: @mending.america

Reviews

[Donna Kurzynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent culmination of a vast amount of resources I have read trying to understand why we are so divided. Dr. Levy has precented, in an understandable way, the various influences we experience, that conclude in a political perspective. He attempts to suggest a solution to the extreme partisan divide that represents our culture and threatens the democracy we hold so dear. Although, I think his solution of, People Over Politics, would be extremely helpful, I'm not sure it addresses the extremity of the divide. I would like to see more detail about how to approach people with a belief system that may be based on moral judgement but, isn't based on analysis of provable facts.

[John Wettersten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wishful thinking

Interesting how genetics plays a role in our party choice, though I voted Republican for many years prior to Trump. The premise is flawed when leadership is tribal and their only way they see remaining in power is not giving any “wins” to the other side. I do not see a good ending in our near term future.

[Page T Shanklin Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening

I would recommend this book to any interested in understanding what is going on in America politics today and influence of media an our inherent bias. Really makes one think if they really want too!

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provided opportunities to approach political discussions from multiple angles.