The Soul of Civility

Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves

De: Alexandra Hudson

Narrado por: Alexandra Hudson

Alexandra Hudson, daughter of the "Manners Lady," was raised to respect others. But as she grew up, Hudson discovered a difference between politeness―a superficial appearance of good manners―and true civility. In this timely book, Hudson sheds light on how civility can help bridge our political divide.

From classical philosophers like Epictetus, to great twentieth-century thinkers like Martin Luther King Jr., to her own experience working in the federal government during one of the most politically fraught eras in our nation's history, Hudson examines how civility―a respect for the personhood and dignity of others―transcends political disagreements. Respecting someone means valuing them enough to tell them when you think they are wrong.

It’s easy to look at the divided state of the world and blame our leaders, the media, or our education system. Instead, we should focus on what we can control: ourselves. The Soul of Civility empowers listeners to live tolerantly with others despite deep differences, and to rigorously protest wrongs and debate issues rather than silencing disagreements. A robust public discourse is essential to a truly civil society, and respecting others means telling hard truths. If enough of us decide to change ourselves, we might be able to change the world we live in, too.

Provocative, personal, and acutely relevant, The Soul of Civility is an essential book for our era.

©2023 Alexandra Hudson (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Alexandra Hudson has written a remarkable book. The Soul of Civility unpacks the critical concept of civility, distinguishing it from mere politeness and explaining how it is as the core of our social life. It provides insight into writers and civilizations across time and space, and the ways that they are linked through this single idea. A worthwhile read.”—Francis Fukuyama, Stanford University

"Civility has become one of the most underrated ideas in contemporary America. Alexandra Hudson, in her elegant and articulate The Soul of Civility, is here to push it over the top once again."—Tyler Cowen, public intellectual, bestselling author, and founder of Marginal Revolution

"I need this book. And you do too."—Joel Stein, Los Angeles Times contributor and former TIME columnist

History lesson

This stuff is not new, just quicker and more global and personal than it has in the past . It was a great inspiring experience

her cadance

the overall message is one worth sharing but the upspeak makes it sound like she's questioning herself and the cadence is broken plus some of the views on historical figures are a bit skewed. with that said I do agree with the overall message but think this book is better read than listened to.

Civility Over Politeness

Lexi Hudson provides an excellent book on America's need for civility, not just politeness. The breakdown of civility is from many factors, but the influence of it on our politics, exchanges, and more is costly. She provides many great stories explaining this. This shines through with her stories of her mom, grandmother, and Christian faith. At a time when the lack of civility seems overwhelming, there is hope based on her writings in this book. Please read it yourself, and don’t miss her recent appearance on my Let People Prosper Show podcast.

Amazing read! Highly recommend!

The Soul of Civility is the best read of 2023. Alexandra did an amazing job of reflecting on history as it relates to today’s society. I love her continued definition throughout the book of politeness vs civility. This book is so needed for today’s environment. Her voice and articulation of the Audible book is soothing and wonderful to listen to as well.

Upspeak detracts from content

Solid overview of pervasive value and significance of manners, decorum, and civility. Excellent perspective and text. I found persistent upspeak in the author’s narration distracting and annoying. But then I’m old….