Heroes of Civility

Gracious Reader,

I write with a few exciting updates and announcements.

First, I’m extending the Civic Renaissance Ambassador Program deadline until Friday. This program is something I created to get to know you—and to support those of you who want to do more with the ideas of my book and of Civic Renaissance: healing our present through the wisdom of the past, and through healing ourselves.

Your participation can take many forms. You might start a book club (I have resources to help you host one), or even organize a Civility Summit in your community. Whatever your vision, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

Second, while on retreat in the forest—completely off the grid this weekend—I wrote the first three chapters of my children’s book! I’ve wanted to render The Soul of Civility into content for my children for years. I’ve also heard from so many in the education field that you want this for your school districts, for your classrooms.

My kids loved hearing the first story last night and are already eager for more. I’d love to know what you think of this chapter.

If you enjoy it, I’ll share the next set of stories soon.

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you’re a teacher or educator and would be interested in helping us build the curriculum—or using it in your classroom—please reply to this email.

As always, if you appreciate the work of Civic Renaissance to bring more civility and grace in our world, please consider becoming a paid subscriber.

Thank you for being part of the Civic Renaissance community!

With gratitude,

Alexandra

Heroes of Civility

The Soul of Civility for Young Citizens

By Alexandra Hudson

Chapter One

Gilgamesh and Enkidu

How friendship makes us better—and how unkindness hurts everyone

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away—different from ours in some ways, but in other ways just the same—there was a king named Gilgamesh.

King Gilgamesh was part man, part god, and he ruled over all the people of Uruk, the first city in the whole world.

Gilgamesh was a tyrant. That means he was not a good king. Instead of serving and loving the way a good king should, this king, Gilgamesh, took whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, from whomever he wanted.