If you often feel as though our world and its inhabitants are so damaged, so divided, so dispirited that one person can’t possibly make a difference— take heart! In Creating a New Civility, scholar, author, and teacher Joy Marsella provides hope in a bracing discussion and re-visioning of civility, which she posits as the foundation for nothing less than a renewal of democracy— and of individual selves. This form of civility— characterized by fairness, mindfulness, the ability to see and listen anew, empathy, and insightfulness— can be learned, adopted through practices that provide a gift that will never stop giving. So open this marvelously thoughtful and inspirational book, turn its pages, and join Marsella’s commitment to “full humanity, the interdependence of all, and the common good.”

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.