Civic Self-Respect - by Ralph Nader (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An inspiring exploration of democracy that separates the concept of a citizen into various roles, providing a clarifying mission to all who read this call to action and civic participation.

In this concise volume, Ralph Nader, our trusted voice on corporate power and civic resistance, goes right to the most basic taproots of an aspiring democracy--its people and their roles in creating and sustaining community. These roles, including citizen, voter, worker, taxpayer, consumer, and parent, contribute to civic self-respect, and one's own significance in society.

As federal judge Learned Hand said in 1944 during a famous brief speech at Central Park, New York City--neither the laws, the courts or other related institutions can be saved without the underlying exercise of the democratic spirit by the people. Civic Self Respect argues the importantace to recognize the centrality in the development of a civic personality, as distinguished from a private personality with the two co-existing for a moral life participating in the common good. As Nader's mother said when her friends would wonder how she could be raising four children and still have so much time for community engagements: "What's the difference?" One depends on each other--the family and the community.

This book argues for how important it is for our educational system to teach the essentials of civic responsibility beyond its occupational or technical emphasis, because the emergence of such a public-minded personality is so essential for understanding the world and shaping civil societies.

Review Quotes

"Ralph Nader has been fighting against corporate domination and for the empowerment and protection of civil society for decades. He issues in Civic Self-Respect a clarion call for all of us to be engaged citizens, to refuse to be passive bystanders, and to take seriously our responsibilities in a democratic society. The consequences of abrogating these responsibilities, of not recognizing that political and civic participation is vital to the health of our society, he warns, is ominous. Ralph is one of the prophetic voices of our age and we ignore his wisdom at our peril." --Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author

​"In Civic Self-Respect​, Ralph Nader encourages us, as he has for more than a half-century, to think broadly about our roles and capabilities as citizens and shows what it means to act accordingly.​ The perspective he offers is more important than ever, as decades of unchecked corporate power and bipartisan neoliberal politics have worn down and suppressed capacities for expression of active civic engagement with the effect of spreading alienation, cynicism, and desperation. A result of such a demoralized environment, as we also can see clearly, is spreading vulnerability to the siren's song of authoritarianism. Nader's clear voice can help us to counter that temptation.​" --Adolph Reed Jr., Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania

"Rooted in more than half a century of successful advocacy, Ralph Nader's Civic Self-Respect charts paths to action in our lives as workers, family members, and engaged citizens. Full of success stories and hard-won advice, this empowering book will inspire readers to practice their civic skills and make the changes we desperately need." --Aric McBay, author of Full Spectrum Resistance and Kraken Calling

"With the deepest concern for the fate of our country and future generations, Ralph Nader presents an indispensable guide to understanding our rights, our responsibilities and the rules of law. In Civic Self-Respect we are given tools to develop our civic personality, turn knowledge into action and prove that the people have the power." --Patti Smith

About the Author

RALPH NADER is an American attorney and political activist in the areas of consumer rights, humanitarianism, environmentalism and democratic government who has spent his lifetime challenging corporations and government agencies to be more accountable to the public. He helped found the Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Public Citizen, and several public interest research groups. His 1965 book Unsafe at Any Speed permanently altered the course of a reckless U.S. automobile industry and made Nader a household name. His lobbying and writing on the food industry helped to ensure that the food we buy is required to pass strict guidelines before reaching the consumer. One of Nader's greatest achievements was his successful lobbying for a 1974 amendment to the Freedom of Information Act, which gave increased public access to government documents. His 2000 presidential campaign on the Green Party ticket served to broaden the scope of debate on the nation's priorities. Named by the Atlantic as one of the hundred most influential figures in American history, Nader continues to be a relentless advocate for grassroots activism and democratic change. He lives in Washington, D.C.