I just finished reading the first chapter. Like his other two books that I’ve read, this one does not disappoint. President Obama speaks with clarity and insight that gives the reader a peek into the people and processes that shaped his worldview. He asks questions we must resolve ourselves. Such as the one posed to him by his mother, Ann Durham, when she learned he’d been involved in a bullying episode. “What kind of person do you want to be?” She explained that there are people who only think of themselves and there are people who imagine how others feel and make sure they don’t do things that make others feel bad. This is a guiding principle akin to the Golden Rule.
As he reflects on events shaping his life, Obama pondered What made some movements successful, while others failed. He looked at compromise and wondered when it was acceptable and when it was selling out and how could one know the difference. Each person must consider which principles will guide their relationships and how far they are willing to go to live by those principles. Lastly, how does societal change happen and how can we be sure everyone’s voice is heard?
On to Chapter Two.
