I joked with a friend that as I was reading this book I was becoming "more republican", a statement that after reading this book I think held true in principle. After reading this book I'm making an effort to be more open minded. The ideas I follow won't always be the right ones. My perspectives only carry half of truth and reality.

The world is not as black and white as our increasingly divided media driven experiences make it seem to be. I am guilty of being swept up in quick reactionary anger and frustration. I'm learning that compromise (especially with those considered to be your enemies) is not failure nor weakness. What I will work on is my vulnerability to be quickly seduced into divisive tribal politics. I will be less reactionary. I will listen more. I will empathize with others and do my best to see the world through their eyes.

Politics has become increasingly tribal and we are doubling down in our silos. This is dangerous for our democracy. Justice Louis Brandeis once said that in a democracy the most important office is the office of citizen. We have a responsibility to listen to each other, to empathize, to look out for one another. As citizens we have a responsibility to one another. We rise and fall together.