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Politics: A Survivor's Guide

How to Stay Engaged without Getting Enraged

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Politics: A Survivor's Guide

By: Rafael Behr
Narrated by: Rafael Behr
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On New Year's Eve 2019, Rafael Behr had what is clinically known as a massive bloody heart attack. In part, it was the result of his compulsive relationship with politics, working as a journalist in Westminster, on the front line of bitter information wars. When he was discharged from hospital, he asked himself how he would ever re-engage with politics - how would he care enough to write about it - without the stress? Something had to change.

In 2021, Rafael published an essay about that experience and some of the lessons he had learned. The response was overwhelming. Well over 250,000 people read the article online on the first day it appeared. Within hours of publication, he had raised thousands of pounds for his local heart charity. Messages poured in from strangers, colleagues and Westminster contacts. They recognised Rafael's account of toxic politics.

This book is both an unflinching account of the disease in our politics and an upbeat look for the cure. As Rafael says, to change the way we do politics we need to understand the failure at its heart - the bad habits and toxic diet of rage and misinformation that obstruct the flow of trust and decency that are essential for a functioning democracy. The story involves encounters with politicians, internet trolls, tech giants, Kremlin-sponsored robots, some neuroscientists and a lot of ordinary voters. It is also a personal journey, charting how one heart failed under the weight of broken politics - and how it recovered.©2023 Rafael Behr (P)2023 W. F. Howes Ltd Art & Literature Elections & Political Process Heart Disease Journalists, Editors & Publishers Physical Illness & Disease Politics & Government Heartfelt War Socialism Middle East Capitalism
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A book of rare and profound honesty, which somehow eschews smugness, while being unambiguously, generously, and wholeheartedly right.

Extraordinary book

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A stunning and entertaining glimpse into the mechanisms of thought and work that characterize the life of a modern journalist crouching in an ever crumbling corner of political centrism. A unique and iconic report of one man’s struggle to tolerate, avoid or temper the slings and arrows of political extremism in the post-truth age. Entertaining, witty and at times utterly jolting, it will be a source of useful advice for anyone attempting to do precisely what it says on the cover: stay engaged without being enraged. Furthermore, for those whose interest in politics or journalism is low, it serves equally as a self-help book on how to live with a healthier heart and find balance in an ever-more troubling world.

Fascinating analogies between evolving life habits and political punditry

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Brilliant writing authentic heart felt political
ananlysis and great advice on how to navigate media landscape

Amazing brilliant witty analysis

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One of the finest writers of his generation excels himself once again. A more lucid and sensible book on politics will be some time in coming.

Fantastic book

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This is a must listen for anyone struggling with the apparently unstoppable march of the alt right over the last decade. Through detailed analysis Rafael will help to calm your nerves. I felt much more hopeful having listened to it and more determined to do all I can to make sure the centre prevails whilst remaining calm and as stress free as humanly possible. Thank you to Rafael for reading the work as the semi urgent delivery added greatly to the enjoyment

Breathtaking ..in a good way

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