WSJ: “Intelligent… edifying.”
WSJ review of The Soul of Civility Happy birthday to Erasmus of Rotterdam, the unsung hero of moderation, scenes from the book tour, and other latest coverage!
Gracious reader,
Thrilled to share that out today in print is the Wall Street Journal’s review of my book, The Soul of Civility!
The Journal called my book “Intelligent… edifying.”
Here’s a passage from the review:
“It’s edifying to be reminded of the theological and practical underpinnings of Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to nonviolent protest and of Albert Schweitzer’s advocacy for the humanity and dignity of colonized Africans. It’s charming to be reminded of sprezzatura, the Italian “art of effortless effort” first formulated in the 16th century, which in its ideal form unites inner sincerity with outward polish. It’s likely to be emboldening, for readers shy of expressing unpopular views against the headwinds of received opinion, to read of the bravura moral example of Edward Coles. Coles was a neighbor of Thomas Jefferson, though a generation younger, who privately and repeatedly reproached the statesman for his hypocrisy in the matter of slavery. In doing this, he fulfilled an important requirement of civility, which is to show respect to oneself.”
Read the full review for yourself here—and be sure to write to me to tell me what you think!
Happy birthday to Erasmus!
557 years ago, this past week on Oct 28, 1466, an unsung hero of moderation was born.
Erasmus of Rotterdam isn’t a flashy figure in history today.
Moderates—people who navigate a prudent middle ground in an era of extremes—rarely are.
But five centuries ago, Erasmus was something of an intellectual superstar. Brilliant, wise, and witty, he was beloved, and a most coveted, guest by virtually every monarch and aristocrat in Europe.
As elevated a thinker as Erasmus was, he also wrote a book on manners for children that was an immediate bestseller internationally. He is a hero of civility in my book, The Soul of Civility.
I let you read more about Erasmus in this summary I wrote about him here—on his birthday two years ago.
And, for now, I will leave you with a quote from Erasmus about the essence of true civility:
“Readily ignore the faults of others, but avoid falling short yourself.”
Let us heed his wisdom as we strive to create a more civil world!
Scenes from the book tour and the book in the news.
Thanks to Boswell Book Company of Milwaukee Wisconsin for hosting a book talk!
And one million thanks to my wonderful friend Sylvie Légère for hosting my book party at Wrigley Field in Chicago last Wednesday! Chicago gave our family and The Soul of Civility an unbelievably warm welcome.
Coverage of The Soul of Civility!
The support and positive feedback from readers have been truly heartwarming.
WSJ review of my book, The Soul of Civility.
Fox News’ Final Five segment on The Soul of Civility.
Public Discourse Alexandra Davis and I chatted about why we should strive to espouse a spirit of civility within our individual spheres of influence.
Acton Institute’s Elizabeth Matthews reviews The Soul of Civility.
Listen as Kennedy Saves the World host Lisa Kennedy and I discuss how civility and the basic respect for the personhood of others might just save the world.
More on my website!
Are you reading The Soul of Civility?
Several people have written to me about what they are learning from The Soul of Civility. Those notes mean more to me than you know!
This Thanksgiving, I would like to share those thoughts with the Civic Renaissance community, so please write to me and let me know what you think!
You can reach me at ah@alexandraohudson.com
Warmest Regards,
Lexi
Congratulations, this is great labor of love and hope it diffuses vastly; we need it!
Congratulations, Alexandra! Thoroughly well deserved!