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Passionate Declarations
Passionate Declarations | Howard Zinn
3 posts | 3 read | 1 to read
From the bestselling author of A People's History of the United States comes this selection of passionate, honest, and piercing essays looking at American political ideology. Howard Zinn brings to Passionate Declarations the same astringent style and provocative point of view that led more than a million people to buy his book A People's History of the United States. He directs his critique here to what he calls "American orthodoxies" -- that set of beliefs guardians of our culture consider sacrosanct: justifications for war, cynicism about human nature and violence, pride in our economic system, certainty of our freedom of speech, romanticization of representative government, confidence in our system of justice. Those orthodoxies, he believes, have a chilling effect on our capacity to think independently and to become active citizens in the long struggle for peace and justice.
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psalva
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I haven‘t done a lot of reading in the latter half of the year, but what I have read has been substantive. Including this, a collection of essays on war and justice. I found this collection bracing, full of writing which challenges a status quo. Similar to A People‘s History, this is full of more nuanced history as well as reminders of the social changes that have been made by people working in solidarity through nonviolent active resistance. ⬇️

psalva It covers a large swathe of topics, including Machiavellian Realism in U.S. foreign policy, violence and human nature, economic justice, free speech, and Communism and anti-Communism. I found it immensely thought provoking throughout. Five stars. 13mo
Reggie Have you ever watched Squid Game? There‘s an original series and then there‘s this challenge series based on the original. And you have to see near the end what steps people take collectively to try and do things as a team versus doing things that might harm someone‘s feelings. Only one person can win the prize money and it surprises me that they think communally vs me, me, me. Great review. 13mo
psalva @Reggie I‘ve seen the original series but I was nervous to watch the new show. I might check it out though. That sounds really interesting :) 13mo
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psalva
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On the Use and Abuse of History:
“We do need to learn history, the kind that does not put its main emphasis on knowing presidents and statutes and Supreme Court decisions, but inspires a new generation to resist the madness of governments trying to carve the world and our minds into their spheres of influence.”
These essays are breathing some fire into me today.

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It‘s Zinn‘s Birthday 🍰