You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train

A Personal History of Our Times

By: Howard Zinn

Narrated by: David Strathairn

Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States, tells his personal stories about more than 30 years of fighting for social change, from teaching at Spelman College to recent protests against war. A former bombardier in World War II, Zinn emerged in the civil rights movement as a powerful voice for justice. Although he's a fierce critic, he gives us reason to hope that by learning from history and engaging politically, we can make a difference in the world.

©2002 Howard Zinn (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A warmhearted memoir of a teacher who committed his politically engaged life to the belief that love is a command to action." ( The Washington Post)

My wishes

I have read and listened to many boos over my 65 plus years of life. As I finished Zinn’s book I wish we could have meet as prophetic academics. I also wish, that as I began my teaching career as a professor of psychology in 1993 - I had included Zinn and Deloris Williams as required reading for both my students and myself.

Does it ever change?

This was mostly a review of what I knew or came to consider as being true. Yet we continue to be in the same situation where our elected officials do not appear to represent the people. The message of not losing hope and removing ourselves from unfounded biases remains.

Essential listening for the times

A hopeful and inspiring personal reflection on the power and influence of activist rhetoric in topsy turvy times

Appropriate title

An all too familiar theme coming out of the 60’s/70’s time period, that still influences us to this day…..

Zinn is Our Conscience

Howard Zinn takes us through his amazing life while teaching us our duty as true PATRIOTS to think and act not just blindly follow. He is truly a Conscience for all ages of our Democracy.