Who is better prepared to defend principles in a volatile world? Those with strong national, religious, ethnic, or tribal identities who accept democracy, or democrats who view identity as a divisive prejudice?
Sharansky argues that valueless cosmopolitanism is dangerous, even in democracies. Together, identity and democracy assert a powerful and benign sense of purpose. But when at odds, they beget fundamentalism and rootlessness.
©2008 Natan Sharansky and Shira Wolosky Weiss; (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
"Original and Thoughtful"
Original and thoughtful treatment of the subject of national identity.
Sharansky is himself a fascinating story and an inspiring human being having bravely challenged the Soviet Union as a political dissident who withstood a long prison sentence for his assertion of his identity, overcoming KGB interrogations, etc without losing his deep sense of human dignity and hope.
This man is a great thinker of our times who is in my view under-appreciated in many ways.
The book is well articulated, and definitely thought provoking - which is what I hope for in a good book.