About this ebook
A inspiring exploration of democracy that separates the concept of a citizen into various roles, providing a clarifying mission to all who read this call to action and civic participation.
In this concise volume, Ralph Nader, our trusted voice on corporate power and civic resistance, goes right to the most basic taproots of an aspiring democracy—its people and their roles in creating and sustaining community. These roles, including citizen, voter, worker, taxpayer, consumer, and parent, contribute to civic self-respect, and one's own significance in society.
As federal judge Learned Hand said in 1944 during a famous brief speech at Central Park, New York City—neither the laws, the courts or other related institutions can be saved without the underlying exercise of the democratic spirit by the people. Civic Self-Respect argues the importance of developing a civic personality, as distinguished from a private personality, with the two co-existing for a moral life participating in the common good. As Nader's mother said when her friends would wonder how she could raise four children and still have time for community engagements: “What's the difference?” Each depends on the other—the family and the community.
This book explains why our educational system must include teaching the essentials of civic responsibility beyond its occupational or technical emphasis, because the emergence of public-mindedness is crucial for understanding the world and shaping civil societies.
"With the deepest concern for the fate of our country and future generations, Ralph Nader presents an indispensable guide to understanding our rights, our responsibilities and the rules of law. In Civic Self-Respect we are given tools to develop our civic personality, turn knowledge into action and prove that the people have the power." —Patti Smith
In this concise volume, Ralph Nader, our trusted voice on corporate power and civic resistance, goes right to the most basic taproots of an aspiring democracy—its people and their roles in creating and sustaining community. These roles, including citizen, voter, worker, taxpayer, consumer, and parent, contribute to civic self-respect, and one's own significance in society.
As federal judge Learned Hand said in 1944 during a famous brief speech at Central Park, New York City—neither the laws, the courts or other related institutions can be saved without the underlying exercise of the democratic spirit by the people. Civic Self-Respect argues the importance of developing a civic personality, as distinguished from a private personality, with the two co-existing for a moral life participating in the common good. As Nader's mother said when her friends would wonder how she could raise four children and still have time for community engagements: “What's the difference?” Each depends on the other—the family and the community.
This book explains why our educational system must include teaching the essentials of civic responsibility beyond its occupational or technical emphasis, because the emergence of public-mindedness is crucial for understanding the world and shaping civil societies.
"With the deepest concern for the fate of our country and future generations, Ralph Nader presents an indispensable guide to understanding our rights, our responsibilities and the rules of law. In Civic Self-Respect we are given tools to develop our civic personality, turn knowledge into action and prove that the people have the power." —Patti Smith
A inspiring exploration of democracy that separates the concept of a citizen into various roles, providing a clarifying mission to all who read this call to action and civic participation.
In this concise volume, Ralph Nader, our trusted voice on corporate power and civic resistance, goes right ...
Discover more
Ratings and reviews
1 review
About the author
RALPH NADER is an American attorney and political activist in the areas of consumer rights, humanitarianism, environmentalism and democratic government who has spent his lifetime challenging corporations and government agencies to be more accountable to the public. He helped found the Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Public Citizen, and several public interest research groups. His 1965 book Unsafe at Any Speed permanently altered the course of a reckless U.S. automobile industry and made Nader a household name. His lobbying and writing on the food industry helped to ensure that the food we buy is required to pass strict guidelines before reaching the consumer. One of Nader’s greatest achievements was his successful lobbying for a 1974 amendment to the Freedom of Information Act, which gave increased public access to government documents. His 2000 presidential campaign on the Green Party ticket served to broaden the scope of debate on the nation’s priorities. Named by the Atlantic as one of the hundred most influential figures in American history, Nader continues to be a relentless advocate for grassroots activism and democratic change. He lives in Washington, D.C.
RALPH NADER is an American attorney and political activist in the areas of consumer rights, humanitarianism, environmentalism and democratic government who has spent his lifetime challenging corporations and government agencies to be more accountable to the public. He helped found the Environment...
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
