Creating a New Civility

Why are people rude, nasty, and negative? Because, we are told, it works for them. Creating a New Civility makes a strong case that such conduct doesn’t work in any lasting way. This timely book discusses how we, as a culture, can move away from negativity and create civility at both the personal and community levels. Using the metaphor of a journey, Joy Marsella proposes a series of practical steps to work toward a greater civility. Although the end of the journey results in the common good, the steps along the way–identity, mindfulness, listening, empathy, and reasoning–are also valuable destinations. Her model gently guides readers to develop their own insights and to integrate them into their daily lives.