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If a measure of our humanity is how we treat the most vulnerable, our report card is bleak. Our politics is divided, people in need are too often treated with cruelty, and the systems we built to support others are creaking. Welfare too often fails, sometimes with tragic consequences.
Yet, the help we give to others can be more effective, more accepted, and more just if we cultivate greater levels of compassion to put it at the heart of public life and potentially resolve these challenges. In this book, Jason Wood reviews the research and talks to experts from across the world to make the moving case for greater compassion in public life.
“A compelling argument for compassion in public policy. Wood explains how everyone would benefit if we, and our elected leaders, had the courage to be kind.” Siobhan Benita, activist and kindness advocate
“From the lens of history, a tour de force of the power of compassion to not only change the lives of individuals but to improve the lives of everyone. A must-read for anyone interested in making the world a better place.” James R. Doty, Stanford University Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education and author of Into the Magic Shop
"Reminds us through personal stories that we all respond better when we're treated with kindness....an essential read for every new MP as they struggle to rebuild Britain's broken communities. " Hannah Fearn, journalist, columnist and writer
1. Introduction
2. The birth of the welfare state
3. The right strikes back
4. Welfare is failing
5. What is compassion?
6. Are we compassionate?
7. The benefits of compassion
8. The economic case
9. Designing compassionate institutions
10. Leading with compassion
11. Conclusion