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A Commonwealth of Hope

Augustine's Political Thought
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Commonwealth of Hope by Michael Lamb explores the philosophical and psychological foundations of hope within societies. The book examines how hope can be cultivated through politics and community, offering a vision for creating a more just and equitable world. Through philosophical discourse, it provides insights into the role of hope in motivating collective action and fostering resilience in the face of challenges.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by the intertwining of politics, hope, and optimism. It delves deep into philosophical and psychological themes, exploring how hope can be harnessed to foster community and positive societal change. If these themes resonate with you, this engaging and insightful read may be appealing.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A bold new interpretation of Augustine's virtue of hope and its place in political life

When it comes to politics, Augustine of Hippo is renowned as one of history's great pessimists, with his sights set firmly on the heavenly city rather than the public square. Many have enlisted him to chasten political hopes, highlighting the realities of evil and encouraging citizens instead to cast their hopes on heaven. A Commonwealth of Hope challenges prevailing interpretations of Augustinian pessimism, offering a new vision of his political thought that can also help today's citizens sustain hope in the face of despair.

Amid rising inequality, injustice, and political division, many citizens wonder what to hope for in politics and whether it is possible to forge common hopes in a deeply polarized society. Michael Lamb takes up this challenge, offering the first in-depth analysis of Augustine's virtue of hope and its profound implications for political life. He draws on a wide range of Augustine's writingsโ€”including neglected sermons, letters, and treatisesโ€”and integrates insights from political theory, religious studies, theology, and philosophy. Lamb shows how diverse citizens, both religious and secular, can unite around common hopes for the commonwealth.

Recovering this understudied virtue and situating Augustine within his political, rhetorical, and religious contexts, A Commonwealth of Hope reveals how Augustine's virtue of hope can help us resist the politics of presumption and despair and confront the challenges of our time.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Michael Lamb offers a revisionist perspective on Augustine, portraying him as a champion of hope who encourages collaboration between Christians and non-Christians for societal betterment. The book is praised for being well-written and providing a compelling defense of hope, presenting Augustine as a vital figure for contemporary political engagement. Lamb's work is seen as a substantial contribution to Augustine studies, illuminating the philosopher's political thought as both realistic and optimistic.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691226330

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 01 November 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 448

About the Author

Michael Lamb is the F. M. Kirby Foundation Chair of Leadership and Character, associate professor of interdisciplinary humanities, and executive director of the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. He is also a research fellow with the Oxford Character Project. Twitter @KMLamb

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