most Americans are in deep awe of things-as-they-are. Even with everything this obviously out of control, they still tell themselves that those in authority must know what they are doing, and must be describing our condition to us as it really is; they still take it for granted that somehow what is, what is done, must make sense, can't really be insane. These assumptions exercise a tyranny over their minds.

It is one thing to be able to state the price the antagonist paid, another to be able to count you own real gains.

Nonviolent tactics can move into action on our behalf men not naturally inclined to act for us.

The longer we listen to one another - with real attention - the more commonality we will find in all our lives. That is, if we are careful to exchange with one another life stories and not simply opinions.

Of course it can be said of jails, too, that they try - by punishing the troublesome - to deter others. No doubt, in certain instances this deterrence actually works. But generally speaking it fails conspicuously.

Punishment cannot heal spirits, can only break them.

This is the heart of my argument: We can put more pressure on the antagonist for whom we show human concern.