Full name: For Common Things: Irony, Trust and Commitment in America Today

Author: Jedediah Purdy Year: 1999 Rank: Rating: Original Rating: Pop Rating: Genres/categories: Non Fiction, Politics, Philosophy Purchase/reserch links: LibraryThing Goodreads Amazon ISBNs: 9780375706912 0375706917

Jedediah Purdy calls For Common Things his "letter of love for the world's possibilities." Indeed, these pages--which have already garnered a flurry of attention among readers and in the media--constitute a passionate and persuasive testament to the value of political, social, and community reengagement. Drawing on a wide range of literary and cultural influences--from the writings of Montaigne and Thoreau to the recent popularity of empty entertainment and breathless chroniclers of the technological age--Purdy raises potent questions about our stewardship of civic values. Most important, Purdy offers us an engaging, honest, and bracing reminder of what is crucial to the healing and betterment of society, and impels us to consider all that we hold in common.