Civic Self-respect

“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