Talking Points: Getting A Grip

Getting a Grip - Introduction from Author:

"I’ve finally figured it out. I am not overwhelmed, depressed, confused, or bewildered by our world gone mad. I’m ready. I’m past ready.

I just want to go for it.

Why can’t we have a nation - why can’t we have a world we’re proud of? Why can’t we stop wringing our hands over poverty, hunger, species decimation, genocide, and death from curable disease that we know is all needless? The truth is there is no reason we can’t.

They say - whoever the “they” are - that as we age, we mellow. I don’t think so. I’m getting less and less patient.

Why? Because I realize that humanity has no excuses anymore. In the span of my own lifetime, both historical evidence and breakthroughs in knowledge have wiped out all our excuses. We know that we know how to end this needless suffering, and we have all the resources to do it. From sociology and anthropology to economics, from education and ecology to systems analysis - the evidence is in. We know what works.

“Soft” psychology as well as “hard” neuroscience also confirm that we humans come equipped with a moral compass - with deep needs and sensibilities that make us yearn to end the suffering. Yet we deny these feelings every single day at huge cost to our society and to our world.

No physical obstacle is stopping us. Nothing. The barrier is in our heads. We are creating this world gone mad, not because we’re compelled to by some deep flaws in our nature and not because Nature itself is stingy and unforgiving, but because of ideas we hold. Ideas?

Yes. This is one of the most startling discoveries - awakenings - of the last century: Human beings are in fact creatures of the mind. Our ideas about reality determine what we see, what we believe is possible, and therefore what we become. And we also now know that human beings can change our core, life-shaping ideas, even our ideas of democracy, of power, of fear, and - yes - of evil itself.

As we do, we no longer have to settle for grasping at straws - wild acts of protest, or tearful acts of charity, or any other short-term, feel-less-bad steps. We become open to the possibility of real change, And, when you think about it, how could we ever believe “the world” can change unless we experience ourselves changing?

So this little book is about learning to see the killer ideas that trap us and letting them go. It’s about people in all walks of life interrupting the spiral of despair and reversing it with new ideas, ingenious innovation?and courage. It’s about finding that mixture of anger and hope to energize us for this do-or-die effort. Why not go for it?"

Frances Moore Lappe
Cambridge, May 2007

PRAISE for Getting a Grip

“Original…out-of-the-box…. If this book isn’t inspirational, then I don’t know what is.” —Tikkun Magazine

“I love Getting a Grip…great positive energy that awakens us to a whole new way to think and to act. Read it now.” —Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Author, Failing the Faithful

“How did I feel after finishing the book? Exhilarated!” —Gloria Meleo Foster, Milwaukee

“A terrific book—clear and handy. The author accompanies the reader and the ideas are metabolizeable. It is smart and not intimidating.” —Kaethe Weingarten, author Common Shock, Harvard Medical School

“Getting a Grip is another example of Francis Moore Lappe’s steadfast attention on the strength of every day people and local communities, strengths that our mainstream media all too quickly ignores. Lappe has a knack for drawing out bright examples of hope, courage and positive action…. This book will remind you that your neighbors are good, strong, smart people, with whom you can work to build community and a stronger democracy. Read it for hope, revitalization and to remember your own power.” —Amazon Review

“Lappe is brilliant! …The book truly is an inspiration of our time and a call to action.” —Amazon Review

“Frances is an eco/political Rock Star, world changer, long-time celebrated author…. The message is timely, innovative and radical … hopeful but realistic…. A better world is possible, and Frances Moore Lappé is one of a handful of authors whose vision points the way.” —Amazon Review