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We Must Not Be Enemies: Restoring America's Civic Tradition,Used
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At the end of his first inaugural address, delivered to a nation deeply divided and on the brink of civil war, Abraham Lincoln concluded, We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Lincolns words ring true today, especially for a new generation raised on political discourse that consists of vitriolic social media and the echo chambers of polarized news media.In 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 depends on our ability to disagree about important things while remaining friends. He argues that individual citizens can dramatically improve the quality of our democracy by changing the way that we interact with one another. Each of his main chapters advances a single argument, supported by contemporary evidence and drawing on 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 and 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 have to 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 thats OK too), but because these are good rhetorical strategies in a democratic society.For anyone disturbed by the increasingly coarse and confrontational tone of too much of our political dialogue, We Must Not Be Enemies provides an essential starting point to restore the values that have provided the foundation for Americas tradition of democratic persuasion.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of the book? A: The book has two hundred thirty-two pages. This length provides ample space to explore its themes and arguments.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point three four inches in length, one point one inches in width, and nine point two five inches in height. These dimensions make it a convenient size for reading.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This type of binding offers durability and a premium feel.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author is Michael Austin, who is associated with the University of Evansville. He combines historical insight with contemporary issues.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: The book falls under the genre of political commentary and American history. It addresses contemporary political discourse through a historical lens.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: The book is primarily aimed at adults. It discusses complex political themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- Q: What key themes does the book explore? A: The book explores themes of democracy, friendship, and civil discourse. It emphasizes the importance of respectful disagreement in politics.
- Q: How can I apply the book's arguments in daily life? A: You can apply the book's arguments by practicing better communication with those you disagree with. It encourages learning to argue respectfully and persuasively.
- Q: Is the writing style accessible for general readers? A: Yes, the writing style is accessible for general readers. Michael Austin presents complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner.
- Q: What is the best way to store the book? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition over time.
- Q: How do I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: To clean the book, gently wipe the cover with a dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaners that could damage the cover.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact customer support for assistance with returns or exchanges. Most retailers have policies in place for such issues.
- Q: Is there a warranty on the book? A: Books typically do not come with a warranty. However, check with the retailer for their return policy.
- Q: Can this book help improve my political discussions? A: Yes, the book provides strategies for improving political discussions. It emphasizes the value of persuasive and respectful dialogue.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: No, this book is a standalone work. It presents its arguments independently without being part of a series.