How Not to Save the World: Doing Good Without Annoying Everyone - Paperback

by Anthea Lawson (Author)

Do you want to change the world but wonder if there's any point trying?

Are you unsure what you can offer, or don't feel that you fit the activist mould?

Do you think activists can be self-righteous, even oblivious to the very people they're trying to help?

'A wise, rich and crucial book.' George Monbiot

How Not To Save the World is a book about doing good, for anyone who has looked at politics or public discourse and thought, 'we need better than this.' The fervour that drives us to change the world can create blind spots, where we don't see our own behaviour, or disregard it because the cause is urgent.

Realistic, candid and hopeful, How Not To Save the World is a sympathetic exploration of alternatives to righteousness, purity traps and other unhelpful habits. It shows that there are ways to work together for what matters, without alienating the people we need to convince.

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'The stories in this book show how we can build bridges in order to work together for the world that we want.' Brian Eno

'Read it and weep, laugh, cringe... it might bring more compassion and togetherness in a broken world.' Dr. Gail Bradbrook, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion

'Anthea Lawson's provocative book provides us with deep insights into the tactical, emotional and ethical complexities of campaigning.' Sir Jonathon Porritt

Author Biography

Anthea Lawson has fought for many issues over three decades including controls on the arms trade and an end to the financial secrecy offered by tax havens. She helped launch a campaign for transparency over company ownership which resulted in changes to the law in dozens of countries. After training as a journalist at The Times, she worked for campaign groups including Global Witness and Amnesty International.