We Must Not Be Enemies: Restoring America's Civic Tradition

We must not be enemies, a new book by Michael Austin argues that the health of our democracy depends on our ability to disagree about important things while remaining friends. He suggests that individual citizens can improve the quality of our democracy by changing the way we interact with one another and advancing seven arguments based on American history, classical theories of democracy, and cognitive psychology.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 232 pages
\n Publication date: 15 July 2019
\n Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
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In his inaugural address, delivered to a nation deeply divided and on the brink of civil war, Abraham Lincoln famously concluded, "We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies." These words hold profound relevance in today's world, particularly for a new generation raised in a political landscape characterized by vitriolic social media and the echo chambers of polarized news media. In his book, We Must Not Be Enemies, Michael Austin combines American history, classical theories of democracy, and cognitive psychology to argue that the health of our democracy hinges on our ability to disagree about important issues while remaining friends. Austin believes that individual citizens can play a significant role in improving the quality of our democracy by altering the way we interact with each other.

The book is structured with seven main chapters, each advancing a distinct argument supported by contemporary evidence and drawing lessons from American history. The seven arguments at the heart of the book are:

1. We need to learn how to be better friends with people we disagree with.
2. We should disagree more with people we already consider our friends.
3. We should argue for things, not just against things.
4. We have a moral responsibility to try to persuade other people to adopt positions that we consider morally important.
5. We must understand what constitutes a good argument if we want to do more than shout at people and call them names.
6. We must realize that we are wrong about a lot of things that we think we are right about.
7. We should treat people with charity and kindness, not out of a sense of moral duty (though that's OK too), but because these are good rhetorical strategies in a democratic society.

For anyone who is disturbed by the increasingly coarse and confrontational tone of much of our political dialogue, We Must Not Be Enemies offers a refreshing and insightful perspective. Austin challenges us to approach disagreements with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to listen. He encourages us to engage in constructive dialogue, seeking common ground and building bridges rather than walls. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and democratic society where people of different backgrounds and perspectives can work together to address the challenges we face as a nation.

In conclusion, We Must Not Be Enemies is a thought-provoking and timely book that offers a valuable roadmap for navigating the complexities of contemporary politics. By embracing the power of friendship and constructive disagreement, we can improve the health of our democracy and work towards a brighter future for all.

\n Weight: 510g\n
Dimension: 164 x 236 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781538121252\n \n