Creating a World That Works for All

by Sharif M. Abdullah

The world is a mess. The privileged few prosper. The masses suffer. And everyone feels spiritually empty. Most people would blame capitalism, racism, or some other ""ism"". But according to Sharif M. Abdullah, the problem is not ideology. It's exclusivity -- our desire to stay separate from other people. In Creating a World That Works for All, Abdullah takes a look at the mess we live in -- and presents a way out. To restore balance to the earth and build community, he says, people must stop blaming others, embrace inclusivity, and become ""menders"". He outlines three simple tests -- for ""enoughness"", exchangeability, and common benefit -- to guide people as they transform themselves and the world.

Genres: Nonfiction

226 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear, concise introduction to the work of the Commonway Institute and a great guide to peaceful dispute resolution. Thank you, Sharif!

[Anne-Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. A bit heavy and dismal at times, but that speaks to a lot of the concerns of today. I agree that we need more Menders in this world, and a lot fewer Breakers, but there has to be a happy medium, and not just Keepers. I did enjoy it, and it's incredible food for thought. What are we doing to/for our earth? Our communities? Ourselves? I'm going to need a few minutes to think about this one.

[Christopher Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this much better than “The Power of One”. I found it both more inspiring and more practical.

[CatherineAda Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Abdullah on his community building project in Oregon. He embodies what he writes about and teaches how to embrace inclusivity.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure exactly how I feel about this book, for two reasons.

1. There are some arguments that really fell flat - such as the (much believed, but false) idea that hunter/gatherers were always in harmony with nature and each other (tribes often defined themselves as "better" than others, large animals were most likely made extinct by humans after migrations to the Americas and Australia, etc.). I think it doesn't help the book to make these types of over-simplifications. But, the overall premise of the book - that our society is in serious trouble and desperate need of reform really speaks true.

2. Mr. Abdullah's reliance on using the term "spirituality" as the main solution to society's problems. I think there's lots of spirituality, it's just exclusive, harmful spirituality. He gets to this point at the very end of the book, but doesn't clarify his thinking early enough, in my opinion. I've found (though I may be biased) that atheists are often a more positive force in our modern US society than religious people.

But, overall, for those of us who really care for the welfare of the whole earth (people, animals, and ecosystems included) this is a well-thought-out book that makes some very good points.

[Cate White · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If we want to see widespread change in our society, we must address its center. Preaching to the choir, the people on the fringe who already share our vision will no longer do. Nor will vacuous exercises in political correctness. We must get our hands dirty, and our hearts exposed, by engaging directly with the Heartland.

Jeffrey, a burly white roadworker, came into the fourth of a series of group sessions and laid a card and pamphlet on my table. Even upside down, I could recognize the material from an Idaho Aryan Nations group. ‘Sharif,’ he said, ‘except for you, these are the only people talking to us about the world is changing…’

Not only do the politically correct not talk to Jeffrey, *they think he is the problem.*By being willing to write him off, by imputing sinister intentions to him, the progressive elite lose Jeffrey and vast numbers of others to the rhetoric of hatred.”

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you Mender or Breaker? Sharif effortlessly connects our social, economic and enviornment into The Mess. This is possibly one of the best books I have read with powerful solution for a world that works for all. This book encourages deep thought and it is well writen for easy understanding and enjoyment. I recommend that everyone should read this book. It's that powerful, inspiring and motivating for a better compassion toward eachother humans and non-humans.

[Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read. Enables you to take responsibility of the consequences of your life for the whole world, without falling into the moral qualms that most other books on the subjects use or the justifications we use to protect ourselves.

[Glen Gersmehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

[[ this list's focus is the most insightful and useful books on the most compelling issues of our time, including analyses, action manuals, first person accounts, histories . . . as well as more than a little biography, poetry, fiction . . . ]]

[Diana Heme · Rating 5 out of 5]

my philosophy for life, loved this book, have shared it with many

[Mamaknitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such compassion, such insight! I love this book. Everyone should read it

[Wanderingmindanaorebel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful!