I recently had the pleasure of reading The Making of a Radical by Scott Nearing. This book is an inspiring yet often heartbreaking look into the life of one of the most influential social activists of the twentieth century. Nearing, who was born in 1883, was a professor of economics at the University of Pennsylvania, and was an advocate for social justice and economic reform.
The Making of a Radical is a well-researched and highly detailed account of Nearing’s life, from his childhood in rural Pennsylvania to his time at the University of Pennsylvania and his subsequent activism. Nearing’s story is an inspiring one, and it is clear that he was passionate about the causes he championed. He was an advocate for women’s rights, labor rights, and racial justice, and he was an outspoken critic of war and imperialism.
The book not only tells Nearing’s story, but it also provides fascinating insight into the radical movements of the twentieth century. It examines the rise of the labor movement, the growth of the socialist movement, and the development of the civil rights movement. The book also looks at how Nearing’s ideas influenced the public discourse of the time and how his radical beliefs helped shape the American political landscape.
The Making of a Radical is an important book that should be read by anyone interested in the history of social movements and radical activism. It is an inspiring story of a man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of social justice. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the history of radicalism in America.
1. The power of the individual: Scott Nearing’s story demonstrates the power of one person to make a difference and effect change through activism and education.
2. The power of education: Nearing’s commitment to education and learning laid the foundation for his later radicalism. He believed that education was essential for individual and societal transformation.
3. The importance of self-determination: Nearing’s story demonstrates the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and taking action to make a difference.
4. The power of community: Nearing’s story illustrates the importance of community in the struggle for social justice. He was deeply committed to the idea of collective action and solidarity among those working for change.
5. The importance of non-violent resistance: Nearing’s commitment to non-violent protest and civil disobedience is central to his story, demonstrating the power of peaceful protest in the pursuit of social justice.
TLDR: The Making of a Radical is a compelling account of the life of Scott Nearing, a prominent twentieth-century social justice activist. The book examines Nearing’s life and provides an insightful look into the radical movements of the time. It is an inspiring book that should be read by anyone interested in social movements and radical activism.
Did you know that “The Making of a Radical” by Scott Nearing is a captivating autobiography that traces the life and times of one of the most influential progressive activists of the 20th century? In this book, Nearing reflects on his journey from a privileged upbringing to his later life as a labor leader, political activist, and advocate for social and economic justice. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of social activism and progressive politics in the United States.
Scott Nearing