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PRAISE FOR Healing the Heart of Democracy "We have been trying to bridge the great divides in this great country for a long time. In this book, Parker J. Palmer urges us to 'keep on walking, keep on talking'-just as we did in the civil rights movement-until we cross those bridges together."
-CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS, recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom "The book we need for recovering the heart-the very core-of our selves and our democracy."
-KRISTA TIPPETT, host of public radio's
On Being and recipient of a 2013 National Humanities Medal "A master work by a master, a clear and uplifting resource that keeps shining light in all the dark places. Palmer is that rare, deep seer who is at home in the streets, a teacher by example who has the courage to stand openly and honestly in the public square."
-MARK NEPO, author of
The Book of Awakening and
As Far As the Heart Can See "A book born for this moment. Wise, evocative, and pragmatic at its core, this dream for a new politics is grounded in dignity and liberty for all."
-TERRY TEMPEST WILLIAMS, author,
The Open Space of Democracy "Breaks new ground in marrying the capacity of the human heart with the tensions inherent in politics [and] breathes new life into what it means to be a citizen-accountable, compassionate, fiercely realistic."
-PETER BLOCK AND JOHN MCKNIGHT, coauthors,
The Abundant Community "All who harbor concerns about American politics will find in this book a wise and kindred spirit who reminds us of choices we can make to help 'reweave the tattered fabric of our civic life.' You will close this book appreciating how much you can do, and how much depends on you."
-DIANA CHAPMAN WALSH, President Emerita, Wellesley College and author,
The Claims of Life "Could not be more timely and needed. As one who has been guided through a time of personal reflection with Parker Palmer, I invite you to join in a journey through these chapters."
-CONGRESSWOMAN LOIS CAPPS, grandmother, mother, nurse, and seeker after democracy
List of contents
Introduction to the 2024 Edition xv
Prelude The Politics of the Brokenhearted 1
Chapter I Democracy's Ecosystem 11
Chapter II Confessions of An Accidental Citizen 29
Chapter III the Heart of Politics 49
Chapter IV the Loom of Democracy 69
Chapter V Life in the Company of Strangers 89
Chapter VI Classrooms and Congregations 119
Chapter VII Safe Space for Deep Democracy 151
Chapter VIII the Unwritten History of the Heart 175
Gratitudes 195
Notes 199
The author 219
Index 221
About the author
PARKER J. PALMER, whose books have sold more than two million copies, holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley and thirteen honorary doctorates. Palmer is a recipient of the William Rainey Harper Award, previously given to Margaret Mead, Paulo Freire, and Elie Wiesel. He is Founder and Senior Partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal.
