You Have the Power: Choosing Courage in a Culture of Fear

by Frances Moore Lappé, Jeffrey Perkins

Frances Moore Lappé-author of the million-selling Diet for a Small Planet -and Jeffrey Perkins offer the radical notion that our fears can be a source of energy to create the lives and the world we want.

Now more than ever, it seems, our lives and the lives of our loved ones are at risk. Our normal response is to retreat. But what if fear were not a negative force but a positive one-a source of energy and strength? Sharing their own intimate journeys with fear, as well as the experiences of others, the authors offer seven liberating notions that can help unleash your power to walk into the unknown and create a more fulfilling, authentic life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Activism, Social Change

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Frances Moore Lappe--author of fifteen books, including three-million-copy bestseller Diet for a Small Planet --distills her world-spanning experience and wisdom in a conversational yet hard-hitting style to create a rare "aha" book. In nine short chapters, Lappe leaves readers feeling liberated and courageous. She flouts conventional right-versus-left divisions and affirms readers' basic sanity - their intuitive knowledge that it is possible to stop grasping at straws and grasp the real roots of today's crises, from hunger and poverty to climate change and terrorism. Because we are creatures of the mind, says Lappe, it is the power of "frame"--our core assumptions about how the world works--that determines outcomes. She pinpoints the dominant failing frame now driving out planet toward disaster. By interweaving fresh insights, startling facts, and stirring vignettes of ordinary people pursuing creative solutions to our most pressing global problems, Lappe uncovers a new, empowering "frame" through which real solutions are emerging worldwide."
Frances Moore Lappé is married to Dr. Marc Lappé a former experimental pathologist interested in the problem of environmental contamination.

Reviews

[C.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the message that fear is as powerful as you choose to make it, like all self-help books they dont' provide much in the way of pratical advice. Still, an inspiring read.

[Joan Broadfield]

SO FAR... I am excited to read this. I'm already rating it high because of the writers... WHO KNEW they BOTH were Earlham grads!! Chapters include: On hearing fear as a signal; Ninety percent of your life - showing up with fear; Fires of creation - creating with conflict; Dragon's mouth - enemies as teachers..... and on and on.... Lappe of course is that author of diet for a simple planet, a cookbook that my dear family took with a mixture of delight... okay some dismay... She went on to form Center for LIving Democracy. PErkins heads a nonprofit that works with youth... figuring out what they want their life work to be called Curious Minds. I'm excited!!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

The right book at the right time.

Lappe and Perkins present a reasoned argument for the need to think differently.

Their are so many problems in our country and the world that need addressing, but not in the traditional ways we have thought about things.

When we are able to use our fear, risk being different and aligning with people outside of our traditional network, we find new outlooks and means for addressing entrenched problems.

Thought provoking and timely. (also relatively short and to the point.)

Highly recommend.

[ChaCha Ala Mode · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a grad school book. It is not a difficult read, but it is much the same stuff over and over. I did enjoy reading other people's experiences, but like most other grad school texts, I never read it in college.

The writing is simple, and maybe that makes for a difficult attention span. The fact that I have already figured much of this out made it seem boring. I am glad that I now have terminology and reference for some of my life choices, overall if you are not self aware it will benefit you.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about fear, making a difference and living one's dream. I am loving it. Recommended for anyone who's not sure what that next step is.

I finished it, and the resource lists and quotes at the back of the book are particularly valuable.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is short and little and I remember REALLY liking how positive it was. I just saw it on my bookshelf and kind of want to read it again.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book. I can really relate to the authors wants and experiences.

[Terrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Feel the fear and do it anyway..."

[George]

very positive Amazon reviews:
http://is.gd/eHOTMO

[Jeff Youngstrom]

My review from October 10, 2004

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just starting, Lappe wrote the bible for eating as if the world mattered, Diet for a Small Planet

[Amy Moyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written shortly after 9/11, but so many of the concepts are perfect for 2017. This is a simple little book with big impact.