Soul of a Citizen: Living With Conviction in a Cynical Time

Are we talking social activism here? Well, yes. But before you cringe from images of shrill, humorless, burned out activists, keep in mind that Loeb is talking about a new kind of activism--an exciting, spiritual model for creating social change. We don't have to be pious or martyred saints (as he explains throughout one chapter), starving ourselves in the name of a cause or staging protests in freezing rain. We can be "good enough" activists, assuming the task of helping 10 people in need rather than taking on the globe. We can remember the power of storytelling when convincing an audience, rather than angrily spewing scary facts. We can replenish ourselves so that we do not burn out. We can emphasize themes such as community and forgiveness rather than separatism and blame.

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 may well become The Handbook for activism at the turn of the century. --Gail Hudson

Product Description
Soul of a Citizen awakens within us the desire and the ability to make our voices heard and our actions count. We can lead lives worthy of our convictions.

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. Paul Loeb tells moving 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.

Loeb tells the story of about twenty-five citizens who reacted against some sort of economic or political situation that was thrust upon them by enlisting the aid of other citizens to combat the situation. Loeb is concerned with showing that imperfect knowledge and starting small can effect change. He stresses that activists must be patient, that success may be slow, that support is needed, and that burnout can easily occur.

Loeb trys to link his activists with social movements from the past. But the kinds of systemic change that concerned the Knights of Labor, the Populists, the Wobblies, and the Socialists around the turn of the century are not what the activists that Loeb profiles are all about. In fact, Loeb eschews the detailed critiques of society that those historical groups produced. While Loeb contends that structural changes are needed for our society, he downplays the need to develop the kind of expertise needed to engage in that level of change.

Loeb speaks of the isolating tendencies of television, but says nothing about its potential as a propaganda tool to get across a particular message or to limit the free exchange of ideas. His talk of the village square seems strange in an era of corporate-controlled media and the pseudo village squares of suburban mega-malls. Loeb talks about "our" choices that cause economic harm which neatly obscures the central role of the huge private concerns that dictate economic policy in this country. Loeb's failure to address large and controlling forces in our society gives the impression that piecemeal acts by randomly placed activists have a greater impact than they really do.

Soul of a Citizen has the feel of a self-help book. If one is feeling down about some aspect of society, most any form of activism will help alleviate that personal distress. But for those who accept ideas about a "web of domination" in society, piecemeal actions may not be so satisfying. Of course, Loeb is quick to label those folks as cynics. That is why Soul of a Citizen only marginally contributes to the dialog of significant change.


social justice is for everyone   November 23, 1999
 20 out of 21 found this review helpful

This incredible book teaches us that everyone can work for social justice and claim their right to participate as a citizen in everyday life. In a time where many small groups of ordinary citizens are choosing to re-engage in American democracy through Salons and Circles, we are grateful for this book to inspire and empower us. Loeb uses storytelling to illustrate how involvement in citizenship is surprisingly powerful and creates a tremendous sense of personal and spiritual growth. This hopeful and transformative book invites each of us to choose to take responsible action instead of choosing the civic apathy that has allowed America's governing bodies to listen to the wishes of the most powerful and profitable over the majority of its people. It is time for each of us to choose a better way -- our children, our communities, our democracy, and our natural world depend on us. This book is a great step in the right direction!


Little More Than Stories   May 15, 2002
 17 out of 42 found this review helpful

While Loeb's work certainly demonstrates his dedication to service it lacks critical examination. Loeb repeatedly cites examples of amazing service and highlights compassionate people but fails to push his readers to think about the theoretical pieces behind the actions. Without critical analysis there is no reason to take this work serious. Additionally, Loeb entirely ignores working class people and the roles that they can play in service. The work is naive and generally fluff.


Soul of a Citizen is a great book   February 14, 2000
 15 out of 16 found this review helpful

My husband and I have always wanted to help improve the world, especially on enviromental and sustainability issues. In the past we have felt overwhelmed to do anything. All issues appeared to big, the gov't too far away and unreachable.

Then we both read the book "Soul of a Citizen" by Paul Roget Loeb, we now know that our efforts do add up and make a difference. We are currently working on a letter writing campaign to get the Children's Enviromental Protection Act passed.

This is an excellent book. Read it today and start changing the world!


FORGING HOPE THROUGH ACTION   October 28, 2000
 12 out of 14 found this review helpful

As we near the end of an electoral season that has been marked by widespread cynicism and apathy--now is the time to turn to a challenging book like Paul Rogat Loeb's "Soul of A Citizen." No matter how the Presidential election turns out, millions of Americans will be convinced that our new leaders are not up to the task of healing our national malaise. But it is not necessary or logical to expect leadership in this task to come from one person, living in a city from which many of us feel remote, even estranged. Loeb's book reminds us that the healing, redemptive task belongs to us as individuals, working in spheres of civic action we have carved out for ourselves. Through our dedication we can not only forge hope for society's future, we can open the door to our own spiritual growth. "Soul Of A Citizen" would be a great holiday gift book this year, or any year. It may confirm the faith of some; and--even more important--it may restore the faith of others.