Hope on a Tightrope: Words and Wisdom

by Cornel West

The New York Times best-selling author of Race Matters and Democracy Matters offers open-hearted wisdom for our times in this courageous collection of quotations, speech excerpts, letters, philosophy, and photographs that reflect the profound humanity that fuels the passionate public intellectual. In a world that seesaws between unconditional love and acceptance and blind hatred and exclusion, Hope on a Tightrope will satisfy readers in search of deep wells of inspiration and challenge that marries the mind to the heart.

This gift book features an original CD that highlights Dr. West’s outstanding spoken-word artistry. His August 2007 CD release Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations that featured collaborations with best-selling artists Prince, Jill Scott, and Andre 3000 topped the charts as Billboard’s #1 Spoken Word album.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, Nonfiction, Race, Social Justice, Self Help, Spirituality

248 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2008

About the author

Cornel Ronald West is an American scholar and public intellectual. Formerly at Harvard University, West is currently a professor of Religion at Princeton. West says his intellectual contributions draw from such diverse traditions as the African American Baptist Church, Marxism, pragmatism, transcendentalism, and Anton Chekhov.

Reviews

[Ted Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd seen Professor West's books on shelves in bookstores and was interested. Why Race Matters and why Democracy Matters seemed like important discussions that we still need to have in the United States. But I confess my own racism/prejudice- I saw his afro and I wondered if as a middle class, middle aged, Midwestern White male I could relate to him. I worried that his politics would be too liberal even for a left-leaning centrist Democrat like me.

Then I caught his appearance on a late night talk show and he wasn't talking with arrogance or anger about race or politics- he was speaking about Jesus. He was speaking about faith and love and forgiveness and suffering.

When I fount this book, with the word "hope" right in the title, I wondered if it would be about President Obama or about the civil rights movement. It's not. It is about us, all of us. And in it, West introduces us to Jesus.

Not the confident, indignant, powerful Jesus that Pat Robertson and James Dobson talk about- the strict, White American, Republican patriarchal Jesus who opposes government regulation, taxes, and gay marriage and supports the troops and the Tea Parties and the NRA.

Not the optimistic, affluent, sexy, successful Jesus that Joel Osteen and Creflo Dollar talk about, waiting to solve all your problems and shower you with material blessings if you just believe enough.

West reveals the Jesus who is humble, genuine, unpretentious but more importantly the Jesus who is brutally honest, patient, kind, just, loving, and wise. The Jesus who turns the other cheek, walks the extra mile, offers the shirt off His back, loves his enemy and was willing to risk everything and sacrifice everything for the sake of others.

Yes, West talks about race and politics, history and economics in this book. He talks about institutions and empire, families, education, and culture. But mostly he talks about depth. Deep Learning, Deep Democracy, and Deep Love, deep enough to sacrifice everything for the sake of justice, equality, and hope.

West says that he's made it his mission to make the world safe for Martin Luther King Jr. That's awesome, because anyone who's read King's 'Strength to Love,' knows that King had made it his mission to make the world safe for Jesus.

[Kal ★ Reader Voracious · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I am in no way optimistic, but I remain a prisoner of hope."

I last read this back in 2013 for RST 110 and for some reason it beckoned to me from my bookshelf this evening. For some reason I remember this being a bit more hopeful, but that's probably a result of "I have a special place in my heart for books I read for RST 100."

"[H]ope is no guarantee. Real hope is grounded in a particularly messy struggle and it can be betrayed by naive projections of a better future that ignore the necessity of doing the real work. So what we are talking about is hope on a tightrope."

A quick read that is easily digestible, Hope on a Tightrope was published in 2008 before Barack Obama won the election. Unlike Democracy Matters or his other works, this collection is more of a free-flowing and loosely-themed quotes that kind of serves as a tasting platter of his philosophies. It reads like you are listening to Cornel West speak. Covering a wide range of topics including courage, identity & race, faith, music, and freedom, he unifies these topics through the lens of hope and its differentiation from optimism.

This is a fine read but not really a book to turn to if you're looking for more an an analysis of these topics and issues.

[KyaP_Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cornel West was one of my go-to theorists, back in university when I was writing cultural studies essays on race, communications, or sociology, and needed some good solid quotations. Along with Stuart Hall and bell hooks, Cornel West was someone who articulated exactly what I needed to help me figure out my own college-aged thoughts on black history and social progress. He was--and still is--that dude.

I was pleased to recently find a publication of his that I hadn't yet encountered. Written in 2008, "Hope on a Tightrope" is a 237-page book featuring "Words and Wisdom" broken down into short paragraphs, single quotations, and themes like "Philosophy," "Leadership," and "Freedom."

The first few pages gave me goosebumps, partially because I instantly remembered how much he would enlighten me back in the day. Books like 1994's "Race Matters" helped me uncover new understanding and theories on culture. So I was not surprised that on one of the first pages, his thought: "It takes courage to interrogate yourself." made me stop reading for the rest of the evening, as I thought about that quote alone, and what it meant.

That one initial quote made me remember that my mind is something that I need to regularly exercise, and be aware of the content that I allow in, and the superficial information that I easily waste time on. Cornel West reminded me that creating a "structure of meaning" in my life would involve the constant reception of information. Of wisdom.

The book was published in 2008, when Barack Obama was still a senator, and America was overflowing with rhetoric of hope and change, and new beginnings, and future aspirations. And while West shares these sentiments and his support of the ideologies, he also strongly reminds his readers that it takes more than simple hope or the acceptance of social scripts and routines. He reminds readers that they must train themselves in critical thinking, and avoid complacency.

I learned a new word that easily summarized West's message in "Hope on a Tightrope," and that word is PAIDEA. It means to have a deep education: "cultivating yourself and maturing your soul... realizing the difference between superficial and substantial."

His message is clearly supported throughout the book, and his wish is that individuals learn to think for themselves, learn to respect the traditions and struggles of their ancestors, and have the bravery and strength to make changes and make a difference through knowledge and its application. And at the root of it is education, seeking information, and seeking to understand that information.

"Hope is no guarantee," said West. It takes more than just wishing and praying for things to happen...it takes an awareness and what he calls the "deep education of the soul."

Looking at the current state of black youth, and the influences of this generation, West notes that the young seem to be disconnected from their rich history of sacrifice and commitment. He takes personal responsibility in helping to keep the legacy of our ancestors alive, for the younger generation, and also holds the current role models accountable for their actions.

In recounting a conversation with hip hop mogul Jay-Z, West stated: "You are successful now...but are you great?" He feels that courage and power should be demonstrated, and not obtained too easily. Again, themes of accountability, and creating and maintaining a strong cultural legacy are key.

He called hip hop the "most powerful cultural force" and believes that the youth need a cultural renaissance of self-respect, and cultivation of activists at a national level in order to re-build the moral fabric and reconcile the "fundamental tension between a commitment to truth, and a quest for power."

Born in the early 50s, West is of a generation that was built on struggle, unification, and earning respect every step of the way. He's a Harvard graduate with a Ph.D. from Princeton, who currently teaches at Princeton as well as religious studies at a Seminary college in New York. As I quickly learned in my own studies, Cornel West is an expert in race, class, and gender: a respected philospher, academic, and writer.

I think I understand the passion of West (even when I don't agree with his actions, such as his recent criticism of President Obama's use of Martin Luther King Jr's bible for his Inauguration oath) because it is so deeply rooted in well wishes for his people, a first-hand understanding of the past, and a sincere hope for the future.

His unique position as an observer of the passing of generations,has given him the authority to recommend that the community should shift from a "bling bling" mentality to a "quest for wisdom." It's a sentiment that many of us share and a logic that is easily understood, but as he mentioned....the lack of activists at a national level is limited.

So while he believes in hope, and believes that enlightenment is possible, he also believes that "hope is linked to combative spirituality"...it takes more than just wishing, it will involve dedicated actions, backed by sound intelligence.

I feel that Mr. West is so full of knowledge, opinion, academic intelligence, and historical understanding, that even the pages of this book couldn't contain his passion. But I GOT IT. I got the frustration, I got the praise, I got the message loud and clear. Each thought was emphasized through the chapters, and yet they all tied into the overall theme: progress.

Thinking back to my school essays and my intial impression of Cornel West...not much has changed. His words still have the power to move me, and still make me think and "interrogate" myself about what I am doing in my own life, who my actions will affect, what impact it will have on my culture, and to what extent.

It's easy to push social responsibility into someone else's hands. It's easy to look at Mr. West, Mr. Obama, or even Mr. Jay-Z as those in power, those with success, and those with the means to make change...and expect them to make it.

But just as President Obama can't change the collective mentality of Americans and their actions on his own...we all have a personal responsibility to make improvements to our surroundings, to educate ourselves, and to apply that knowledge appropriately.

West mentioned that there is a false notion that the [black] community must be homogenous to be strong, and to be unified. He said that progress for any group can not be made without the assistance and understanding of other cultural groups as well. Again, it comes back to the renaissance of self-respect. The renaissance of self-understanding. Education. Sharing that knowledge, and strengthening the moral fabric. Understanding others. Understanding the inter-connectivity, despite differences.

"Hope on a Tightrope" is truly a motivating collection of thoughts and spiritual recommendations. West didn't need to provide strict guidelines on how or why, but instead leaves it up to the individual reader to assess their contribution to society, and to understand the [North] American culture and what kind of collective conciousness it would take to strengthen it.

Hope is not a guarantee...but it is a pre-requisite, I believe. As West said, we must find sources of vision and hope...and through this inspiration, create and build upon our own structures of meaning.

As much as I admired these great thinkers over the years, and admire the Obamas, and the artists, and those in positions of power...I am also continuously being reminded that a great deal of power also lies in my own actions, and personal dedication to "PAIDEIA"...if we all make a pledge of higher learning and critical thinking to ourselves, change and progress will be inevitable.

The hope will be less abstract. The tightrope will become broader. West has reminded me that this is all possible...starting with self.

[Tung · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m going to assume you know who Cornel West is, because no one accidentally reads a Cornel West book. Either you were assigned one of his books in a political science or African-American studies class, or you’re already a fan of his. So I’m limiting my review of this book to its literary merits and not the merits of its content. Hope on a Tightrope is unlike his other books in that he is not laying out a comprehensive argument and building its proof (e.g. Race Matters or Democracy Matters). Instead, this book is more a free-flowing rant on a variety of subjects such as courage, leadership, social justice, family, music, etc. Dr. West tries to tie them together by discussing the idea of “hope” and defining it as something different from optimism; it is rather, having a vision for a changed future. The tightrope part of his concept of hope is that blind visions of the future are often derailed by the reality of the struggle that will be necessary to accomplish that future. I don’t think he is completely successful in unifying the variety of topics he covers, but given the breadth of the subjects he opines on, I don’t hold that against him. From a prose perspective, it reads like you are listening to Dr. West speak in person – which means it’s sermonizing that is part aphorism (“Truth is all about allowing suffering to speak”) and part political rhetoric (i.e. he uses terms like “neocon” and “military-industrial complex”) and part progressive poetry (“The marketplace culture of consumption undermines community, undermines links to history . . . and undermines relationships”). The book is accompanied by a free CD that is Dr. West being interviewed by Tavis Smiley set to some jazz, so that’s a bonus point. But unfortunately, I found it mostly shallow, with Dr. West spouting opinions without backing them up. Fans of Cornel West will love this; I could take it or leave it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've admired Cornel West ever since I saw him speak on TV, so I was glad to finally read one of his works. West manages to take complex societal issues and explain them in a way that is both scholarly and understandable. His usage of words like "brother" and "sister" makes me feel like I'm talking to a peer, and not being talked down to. West is an inspiration to me, and is one of the professors that has made me consider becoming one someday.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the one hand this book/CD is somewhat dated, written as it was on the cusp of Barack Obama's first election to the U.S. Presidency, but on the other hand it seems very timely, read after the second election of the grotesquely soulless charlatan whose name I will not stoop to mention. The moral, spiritual, and political emergency that West sketches in these pages has brought its proverbial chickens home to roost, and now they are nesting in the gears and levers of power throughout American society and government. The good news is that the embers of effective resistance still exist, albeit in a weakened form, for this generation's King (as in MLK, not the aforementioned person who would be king), should he or she ever emerge, slouching toward Foggy Bottom, to blow them into an inferno. The bad news is that the enemies of soul and spirit are looking for any sign of glowing with water buckets in hand. I thought the book overall was a bit redundant, rather preachy (but that's a minor cavil when dealing with a scholar-prophet like West), long on diagnosis and short on prescription (but then, how many different ways are there to say, "respect yourself and love your neighbor as yourself"?), but I really appreciated Brother West's listing of books and music that changed and continue to inform his life and vision. A film listing would have been welcomed too, by me at least.

[Cherice Bock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, really excellent book. It was just what I needed right around inauguration day. It's an interesting format--basically short, pithy sayings or brief thoughts, kind of like proverbs only much more critical and hopeful. West's outspoken prophetic voice inspires, challenges, and welcomes the reader to deeper thinking and stronger, truer action.

[Otis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing one can deduce about Dr Cornel West, is he is faithful to equality for all humanity. I really enjoyed this book. The truth of the Matt is it’s impossible to speak of America with discussion of its treatment of all people. And the way Dr West highlights these points is eye opening. Well done.

[Theresa Leone Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring book that West uses to highlight powerful excerpts from speeches, other quotations, and essays on humanity and why we should always have hope for the future. Reading this on the eve of the first female, and first African American and Indian American to be sworn in to the second highest office in the United States, made reading it even better. I would definitely recommend it!

[Jamar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words we need to hear, but too afraid to say. Dr West lays out some truths that still vibrate in todays times with echos of yesterday’s promises. At times, he lost my attention with what seemed like ramblings of what’s wrong with America but sums it up eloquently with how we as individuals can do out part for the fellow man.

[Abdullah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that can be appreciated by anyone who embraces knowledge outside of their own comfort zone into the mind of a philosopher/activist/progressive christian/deeply thinking democrat concerned about the U.S. and the road ahead and it's rippling effects on the world.

[Drew Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a delightful book of wisdom. Each chapter is a collection of quotes from Cornel West by topic. They have the inimitable depth and smooth delivery that only Dr. West can bring. This was a great pick me up and I know I will pick it up again.

[John P. Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all of what is happening in the United States at the moment, it was inspiring to read this, as it is hopeful. And to finish it today, when our country I so hope turns in a new, more positive direction, is even more fitting. I definitely recommend this.

[Jeffrey N. Hora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply provoking, well-written, and full of hope. I have utterly reveled in Dr. West's work here and intend to further both his and some others work and thought in order to more fully realize living God's hope into this world and country.

[Joe Haack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically a user friendly guide to West's ideas. I enjoyed the glossary and reading/listening guides in the back.

[Melissa]

BRILLIANT, as always. My rating stars interface on the Good Reads app is glitchy, else you would see five stars.

[Mark Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you live in the United States, you should read this.

[Blue North · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am willing to struggle against all forms of racism until the day I die.

The book is compact like a gift book. However, it is filled to the brim with Cornel West's philosophies and experiences. Whenever I would pick up this book, my body would fully relax. I knew the words would take me to the inner side of myself. At times I disagreed with Dr. West. For example, when he spoke of the Blues as a hopeful type of music. I've always thought the Blues sad. However, I have to admit not listening to much Blues. I am anxious to listen to it with the author's thoughts in mind. Perhaps, the Blues is hopeful. From music like Hip Hop and Jazz and other types of music he shares his opinions. One other thought of his amazed me. He believes music is more powerful than literature. However, he quoted from literature more than he did music. He wrote or quoted Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O'Neil, etc.

I agree music speaks to every man in a unique way. I would hope though that future children would be led to think of literature as more important than music. I believe it's much easier for "our folk" to get in touch with music than for a young person to sit down and read The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers or Othello by Shakespeare. I feel that literature lasts a lifetime. As we change literature changes with us; However, music is here and gone tomorrow. What's hot today might easily be forgotten for what's hot the next day. Of course, that is very sad because musicians work very hard to touch the core of our souls.

Just as I disagreed with him on those points there were far more which led me down a path of enlightenment. I would nod my head for a familiar idea or a long pause for a new idea he gathered and weaved in understandable language. His thoughts about love and service and what to think or how to think of your roots no matter whether you're Black, Irish, Russian, Polish were breathtaking. I applaud him for the love of his people, us, the Black people around him. It's important to help each other in this struggle against racism, povery and miseducation.

I have heard about his disagreements with President Barack O'bama. When the book was written, Barack Obama had not been elected yet. Dr. Cornel West clearly says he voted for our now President Barack O'bama. He also fully describes the areas in which he disagrees with Barack O'bama. He also clearly sheds light on his deep love for Barack O'bama. Really, I don't think there is a bone of animosity in this man. I only wish his ideas were read in schools. If I had read his book earlier in life, I would have been a servant to my people like Rosa Parks. It's impossible to read Hope on a Tightrope without being changed or becoming more noble as a person.

I also discovered Cornel West is a deeply spiritual man. In other words, He is a committed Christian. He writes about Jesus' death on the cross. Then, relates Jesus' cross to the cross or suffering all Christians must carry during their walk with The Lord. His spirituality is not just for Sunday. It is an every day love practiced by the willingness to go to jail for our Black people. He is humane in all ways.

The book covers family, leadership, Social justice, courage and identity and race. I have passed the book on to my husband to read. Then, I hope to pass it on to my sons. I passed on the book, The Narrative of Frederick Douglass to one of my sons. The narrative moved me that much. So to place Cornel West's book, Hope on A Tightrope beside Frederick Douglass' book tells how I feel about the book. In the end, I saw my failures as a Black woman and what to do, if I have the courage, to change those failures in to successes before I leave this earth. cornelwest

In the back of my edition of Hope on A Tightrope there is also a cd. By the way, I was thoroughly surprised how much this Princeton Professor loves music. I have to admit understanding music and being willing to listen to it and not call it noise is a way into the heart of young people.

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cornel West Reference

Before I state what Hope On A Tightrope: Words and Wisdom by Dr. Cornel West is, let me begin by stating what it is not. Although this book has 12 chapters, titles ranging from Courage, Philosophy, Family to Music, Freedom and Wisdom, to name a few, this is not a book in the traditional sense; certainly not like Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism or Race Matters. It reads, as the subtitle alludes, as though one is reading excerpts from Dr. West's speeches. Having seen and heard Dr. West on a number of occasions, I recognize the many Westian core concepts included in this book and it may seem all too familiar to you as well.

That said, Dr. West is still an educator and a leading authority on faith, freedom and justice, particularly as it relates to the African-American community. His insights are, as usual, critical, coherent and profound. Anyone who has not had the opportunity to partake in any his words of wisdom would find this book enlightening.

A couple of final thoughts: This book was released on Nov. 1st, 2008 and in it there are references to Barack Obama as a candidate for President of the United States. I believe better timing of the book's release (delaying to a later date) and having Dr. West speaking from the view point of Barack Obama winning the general election would have been worthwhile. Secondly, the companion CD which contains an interview facilitated by Tavis Smiley along with couple of musical selections from Dr. West's ventures in spoken word, seems by itself worthy of the book's retail price. The fact that the CD is included with the book is a bonus.

[Johnusacitizen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't a book to simply 'read.'

Rather it's a collection of life-experience, learning and wisdom, shared in the HOPE the reader will 'think', grow and take action to change their life and world for the better.

To me at least, it is a muse, strangely appropriate for this age of short, punchy messages(which usually 'mean' nothing). It MUST be read a little at a time, hopefully resonating with the reader's life experience, opening the reader's eyes to truths known, but perhaps not consciously acknowledged.

I hope the young can gain from it, but can't expect the 'weight' these truths have in me to carry the same force in them, as these ideas are confirmed, repeatedly validated and alive in my mind through decades of life experience.

I've never agreed with anyone on more things...

edit 12/3/2012: not black, grown past most social-pressure issues, not even a Christian (I believe in one God... my faith is my own) -- these are simply simple truths for all mankind, not spiritual matters even though they do touch upon those. In most cases, they are thoughts and understandings which kind of 'exist' in the back of my mind, ones NEEDFUL of TRULY THINKING about, to hopefully take action upon, bringing myself into BETTER errr... accordance, reconciling WHO I am with what I believe. Changing, growing, or at least TRYING, STRUGGLING, FAILING, and trying all the harder, now knowing much more from failing. (sorry if less than coherent)

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

West is in his element here. His kind spirit shines through and you have much more appreciation for his theory because of it. The greatest strength of America is its Socratic spirit of inquiry into what is fair, and yet it's also what makes America most nihilistic. If you're looking for the key to dismantling nihilism and Socratic reductionism, this is the guy to follow. I think he is the answer to this American quandary.

[Rafael Suleiman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great compilation of the works of an accomplished scholar.

[Cassandra Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having heard about Cornel West and following him on Twitter, I was interested in reading his latest book, Hope on a Tightrope: Words & Wisdom. Being the first book to read by him, Hope on a Tightrope, is broken into various chapters, which focus on specific topics. West identifies problem(s) in the United States, regarding each topic, especially as it affects the African-American community, presents his philosophy about the topic, and suggests numerous solutions to solve the problem(s). Remembering that philosophy is a relative subject, I was able to take my own beliefs and compare/contrast them to his. Often times, my beliefs do not coincide with his, but I can see his logic behind his philosophy. Being a very thought-provoking book, book clubs, focusing on philosophical books, may want to consider this book because of the potential of very good discussions. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I would definitely consider reading it again.

[Mark Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Cornell West's writing style is reminiscent of the blues masters he extolls in several of the essays that make up this book. In other words, I loved it.

True to a modern philosopher, he brings together the points of view of Plato, Jesus, Shakespeare, O’Neill, King, Ellison and Morrison, and weaves them into a message that is part celebration and part despair.

As a white male, some of Dr. West’s passages are uncomfortable to read. And I believe that’s his intent. Am I doing enough to support equality for all people – different races, different genders, different sexual orientation? What else should I be doing?

I definitely know what I should be reading and listening to. The book includes a great, and very eclectic, list of the books and music that most influenced Dr. West.

The hardcover edition includes a CD with an interview of Dr. West by Tavis Smiley, and some musical passages by Dr. West.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this quick read, Dr. West engages the reader on several topics germane to America yet geared toward the African American community and family. Brief topics of discussion include American race relations, past and present conditions of African Americans, politics, philosophy, family, love, Dr. West's Christian beliefs, and his views on prominent past and present leaders who helped shape our nation, including the then (at time of publication) Presidential candidate Barack Obama.

The CD with an interview by Tavis Smiley is an added plus.

I enjoyed all chapters of the book as well as the section on books and music that helped shape Dr. West as a brother to all, but particularly to those whose crosses are often significantly heavier than most, who find themselves unsteadyily walking a tightrope due to unfair scrutiny and criticism from others.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've heard Cornel West on many talk and news shows ( most recently, he was interviewed by Maya Angelou for her first Black History Month special). I've always enjoyed his perspective and thought Black HIstory Month was a great time to finally pick up one of his books. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I picked the right one. This book is a series of quotes and paragraphs from earlier writings and speeches on a variety of topics, including democracy, freedom, race, and love. What I got from this book, I loved, but I wanted more. Cornel West can really lay out an argument, so I was frustrated by the tidbits. I think I'd like to read Democracy Matters.

[Julio Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

To begin, Dr. West is quite the thought provoking teacher and lecturer who speaks with such great fluidity, clarity and fervor. His skill as a speaker is in no way lost in his writings. In his book, "Hope on a Tightrope," Dr. West touches on topics concerning social awareness of not only black Americans, but of all Americans, leading the reader to truly ponder the ideas brought forward. Even if one does not agree with the author's political standing or ideals, I do believe just about everybody can enjoy and appreciate the beauty of his writing.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not really what I have come to expect from Cornel West. Rather than being intellectually poignant it seemed to be much more conversational, almost anecdotal. It was also very time specific, with references to Barack's presidential campaign. I think this would be good for people who are not familiar with West at all, as it is very accessible, but it did not offer much "new" content for me.

[Keigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of the great public intellectuals of the 20th centry to come out of America Dr. West presents truth with love and compassion. Making philosophy seem alive and fluid felt like listening to a Jazz ensemble. His open critique and deep philosophical insights really do present to us a compelling truth that our hope for a just democracy and great societies are on a tight rope wrestling with many forms of death and power mongers.

[Jason Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful words from one of the pioneers in the fight againts injustice. As a white American, the book made me squirm at times, but that is because much of what Mr. West said was true. My favorite chapters were Religion and Family. As a Christian and a high school teacher, I know the importance of both of these when standing up for what is right. West learned from the masters and he himself has become one.