Politics is everywhere, and it needs to stop
Why can’t I do a simple errand without receiving a political lecture?
Gracious reader,
Some time ago, I had the honor of meeting a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
“I can’t wait to read your book,” they said to me.
Naturally, I offered to send them a copy of The Soul of Civility.
When I make a commitment, I strive to fulfill it. Months passed, and I kept intending to mail the book, yet the task lingered undone.
Finally, this week, I took action. As a courtesy, I also sent copies to the other eleven Justices, each accompanied by a personal note, a limited-edition rose-gold pen from The Soul of Civility, and earmarked sections of the book that I thought would resonate with them. I even included extra copies of our family holiday card to remind them I’m a real person!
Assembling these thoughtful packages with three small children at my feet was no small feat.
I kept recalling my friend Sahil Bloom’s wise words: “Do things that are not scalable.”
At UPS, as I was mailing the packages, the representative inquired about my endeavor.
“Did you write this book?” he asked.
I confirmed and shared the backstory of my task.
“Which Justice did you meet?” he probed.
When I revealed their name, he quickly expressed his political allegiance on the opposing side.
“I’m sending my book to all of them in the hope it can serve as encouragement during these chaotic times,” I replied.
“I’ll resist the urge to ask who you voted for,” he said with a smile, “but it’s just the ‘definition of a woman’ stuff that gets me, you know?” I smiled and thanked him before leaving, bemused by how a simple errand had turned political.
I then realized the root of it: today, unlike in the past, everything seems political.
As I argue in my book, this is a significant issue. Given our unprecedented interconnectedness and awareness of injustices both globally and locally, we are inundated with political content. The controversies of the day fill our thoughts to the point of overshadowing every conversation and interaction. This saturation is troubling for democracy—and, more importantly, detrimental to our souls.
As I explained yesterday on WISH TV, I believe we should all make it a practice to check politics at the door in our conversations—whether with loved ones or strangers.
If we are what we consume, our thoughts inevitably shape our actions. What we let occupy our minds is a crucial decision.
This week, I encourage you to reduce your consumption of political content. Replace it with something enriching and soul-nourishing. It may be challenging at first, but in the long run, you’ll be grateful you did. Aim to do a little more each day.
For those who find themselves engaging with individuals who relish political complaints, and if gentle subject changes aren’t effective, remember that civility also means respecting your own boundaries. It was easy for me to smile wordlessly and slip away from the political conversation at UPS, but it’s often not so easy to escape a recurring character in your life who insists on political dialogue. Firmly and unapologetically express your disinterest in discussing politics.
“No” is a complete sentence, and you need not offer explanations.
If your boundary offends them, recognize that this reveals more about them than it does about you.
Politics has permeated every aspect of our lives. It’s time for that to change.
Looking ahead:
April 24, 2025- Kennesaw State University
April 30, 2025- Community Book Talk at Hussey-Mayfield Library
May 5-8- Southern California book events with several Federalist Society chapters
May 14, 20205- Court of Appeals of Indiana retreat
May 23, 2025- St. Johns Classical Academy of Fleming Island, Commencement Speaker
May 24, 2025- Redefining Classics, The Catholic University of America
September 26- 27, 2025- Civility Summit
In the news:
The World’s Oldest Stories to Help Your Relationships! With Alexandra Hudson- Truth Changes Everything Podcast
I Love to Read: Author Alexandra Hudson to headline Zionsville Community Read event- Wishtv.com- Want to know the secret to doing politics well today? Doing politics LESS. We’ve allowed politics to take up too much of our mental consciousness, and it’s hurting society and ourselves. Join us in Zionsville at The Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library on April 30th at 6:30 PM in the Lora Hussey Room to explore this and many other surprising ways to heal our divides.
Paideia, Humanitas, Civility and Education- I was honored to be invited to write this essay for The Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy. In a time often marked by division and discord, reflecting on the relationship between civility and education offers both wisdom and hope.
Thanks to Timothy Donahue of Oakland University for this thoughtful Public Books review of The Soul of Civility! He highlights a key argument: civility isn’t mere politeness—it’s essential for real social progress. Read here!
I had a great time joining Josh on the Good Morning Liberty podcast! We discussed historical lessons on civility, focusing on how John Adams and Thomas Jefferson overcame deep political divides to restore their friendship. Their story is a powerful reminder that mutual respect can heal even the deepest rifts. The episode is now live—tune in and let me know your thoughts!
It’s Time for a New Era of Christian Civility- read my latest piece for Christianity Today!
Thanks so much to MSNBC for hosting a segment about The Soul of Civility. Watch here!
A Year Ago on Civic Renaissance:
WSJ review: Why matters of the heart cannot be legislated
Thank you for being part of our Civic Renaissance community!
I greatly admire your definition of civility and appreciate your perspective on so many things. And, I respectfully disagree with your philosophical position here. People are hurting. Our values are being tested as a nation and within our own communities and neighborhoods. Standing up for each other...standing up for what we believe in, with integrity, respect, and fortitude, is the only thing that will protect humanity.
It is not about if we engage, it is how. For me, that's what the heart of civility is. Courageous, respectful conversation to advance the ultimate goal of staying connected across our differences.
Yes, it's exhausting. It's overwhelming. I too am a working parent hanging on by a thread. I know it is tempting to dismiss engagement in tough conversations as "too political", but the truth is that only those who are unaffected directly have the ability to step away. Protections and support systems for vulnerable people are being withdrawn. We cannot stand by. I for one am staying engaged in the conversation - in alignment with my beliefs - and my character won't let me withdraw. I hope you consider re-evaluating your own engagement and use your platform to support people doing the same.
Good reflection in a time when political things have become a religion partly because ours is an ideological nation.