About this item
Highlights
- If a measure of our humanity is how we treat the most vulnerable, our report card is bleak.
- About the Author: Dr Jason Wood is a trained youth worker and academic and has spent over two decades teaching, researching, and campaigning on social justice issues.
- 208 Pages
- Political Science, Public Policy
Description
Book Synopsis
If a measure of our humanity is how we treat the most vulnerable, our report card is bleak. Our politics is divided, people in need are too often treated with cruelty, and the systems we built to support others are creaking. Welfare too often fails, sometimes with tragic consequences.
Yet, the help we give to others can be more effective, more accepted, and more just if we cultivate greater levels of compassion to put it at the heart of public life and potentially resolve these challenges. In this book, Jason Wood reviews the research and talks to experts from across the world to make the moving case for greater compassion in public life.
Review Quotes
"A compelling argument for compassion in public policy. Wood explains how everyone would benefit if we, and our elected leaders, had the courage to be kind." Siobhan Benita, activist and kindness advocate
"From the lens of history, a tour de force of the power of compassion to not only change the lives of individuals but to improve the lives of everyone. A must-read for anyone interested in making the world a better place." James R. Doty, Stanford University Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education and author of Into the Magic Shop
"Reminds us through personal stories that we all respond better when we're treated with kindness....an essential read for every new MP as they struggle to rebuild Britain's broken communities. " Hannah Fearn, journalist, columnist and writer
"As selfish materialism's failure becomes increasingly clear, this book explores better directions to take, making a strong case for public policy based on values of compassion and social justice." Peter Beresford OBE, University of East Anglia and Shaping Our Lives
"Humanity is at a point in its trajectory where we need a kindness fix more than ever. This book is so rich in detail, beautifully written, and makes one 'think big' about how kindness and compassion can reshape our world for the better. A brilliant book and a must-read." James N. Kirby, Ph.D., University of Queensland and author of Choose Compassion: How it works and why it matters
About the Author
Dr Jason Wood is a trained youth worker and academic and has spent over two decades teaching, researching, and campaigning on social justice issues. He is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and an Associate Professor of Social Policy at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.