Soul of a Citizen, by Paul Rogat Loeb (Everyday Citizen)

A book of inspiration and integrity, Soul of a Citizen is an antidote to the twin scourges of modern life - powerlessness and cynicism. In his evocative style, reminiscent of Thomas Moore and M.Scott Peck, Paul Loeb tells moving stories of ordinary Americans who have found unexpected fulfillment in social involvement.

Through their example and Loeb's own wise and powerful lessons, we are compelled to move from passivity to participation. The reward of our action, we learn, is nothing less than a sense of connection and purpose not found in a purely personal life.

Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time
by Paul Rogat Loeb Book Picture

Softcover: 416 pages
ISBN: 9780312204358, 0312204353
St. Martin's Press
March 1999

This book is a keeper. It's a good, inspiring read, plus it's just good to simply have it around.

This is a deeply spiritual book, but make no mistake, Loeb's writing, research, and integrity are as solid as they come. Soul of a Citizen has become the classic handbook for activism in the new millennium.

"I stayed up half the night reading Soul of a Citizen, finding it a beautiful and morally transcendent work. Paul Loeb is a personal hero of mine who gives decency and generosity a political character, in the humblest of ways." -- Jonathan Kozal

"Soul of a Citizen helps us find the faith we need to act on our deepest beliefs-and keep on." - Marian Wright Edelman, president, Children's Defense Fund

"Informed by his lifelong participation in peace, justice and environmental causes, Loeb offers Americans a new vision for personal engagement with societal issues. A Seattle-based scholar, he eloquently argues for a return to community involvement and social activism, which, he says, have declined since the 1960s and 70s. He gently chides former activists lost to private pursuits, fatigue and cynicism and warns of increasing social isolation and the widening opportunity gap between rich and poor, despite our robust economy. Throughout, Loeb emphasizes the psychological and spiritual importance of the human connection. Believing that personal stories, not politics, capture peoples attention, he seamlessly weaves in inspiring examples of unexpected heroism in ordinary people and successful activism. One such example is 100-year-old Hazel Wood, the grandmother of the environmental movement, who championed neighborhood, day care, economic inequity and pollution issues. Loeb challenges all citizens to take action on their concerns and suggests an activist model for our times, stressing a Zen-like satisfaction in the journey. Even readers who disagree with his liberal politics will find compassion, intelligence and thought-provoking wisdom here." - Publishers Weekly

"A transformative book of courage and authenticity. If you have children, give it to them. If not, give it to your parents." - Paul Hawken

"An essential book for anyone who wants to work for change." - Howard Zinn

Paul Rogat Loeb is the author of The Impossible Will Take a Little While and three other books. He has written for the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and other publications. He is an associated scholar at Seattle's Center for Ethical Leadership and lives in Seattle, Washington.

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