Social Critic

For John Freeman—literary critic, essayist, editor, poet, “one of the preeminent book people of our time” (Dave Eggers)—it is the rare moment when words are not enough. But in the wake of the election of 2016, words felt useless, even indulgent. Action was the only reasonable response. He took to the streets in protest, and the sense of community and collective conviction felt right. But the assaults continued—on citizens’ rights and long-held compacts, on the core principles of our culture and civilization, and on our language itself.

Having been an introvert with a serious case of social anxiety most of my life, genuinely connecting with others was always extremely challenging for me. Social phobia had irreversibly damaged most areas of my life: love, friendships, career, etc. That is, until I decided to do something about it. Having had enough, I sought out the best books, seminars, and workshops that could help me develop the skill sets necessary to thrive in social circles.

The American economy is in a recession. The Republican president, with strong ties to the oil industry, is dim-witted but loyal to a fault. The US Attorney General is abusing power against American citizens. And a book, written by an outspoken political critic, bashes the president and causes an uproar among the masses. Looking back almost 100 years, a previously untold retribution scenario played itself out with United States President Warren G. Harding, Attorney General Harry Daugherty, and college professor William Estabrook Chancellor.

Over the course of eight years, Barack Obama has amassed an array of outstanding achievements. His administration saved the American economy from collapse, expanded health insurance to millions who previously could not afford it, negotiated an historic nuclear deal with Iran, helped craft a groundbreaking international climate accord, reined in Wall Street, and crafted a new vision of racial progress.

Stop allowing your thoughts to be your biggest threat – harness their power instead! Do you ever feel like your own thoughts are your worst enemy? Is your inner critic holding you back from achieving your dreams? Are your negative thoughts damaging both your physical and mental health? If you have answered “Yes” to any of these questions, then it’s time to end the war with yourself.

The book takes you on a journey through the eyes of the author, Matt Kramer, a perfectionist who was once petrified of public speaking. You'll hear about his embarrassing speaking moments as well as the raw, internal thoughts that once crept into his mind time after time. Lastly, you'll know after listening to this book that there is hope for you - that public speaking is not just for the Tony Robbinses of the world. It's for anyone who dares to break through their self-imposed barriers.

A recorded visit on January 28 to John Ruskin: The Power of Seeing, at Two Temple Place WC2. The review includes descriptions of exhibits by Ruskin and his associates and his contact with JMW Turner.

Throughout recorded history, many thinkers have noted the importance of being articulate and the power of words; you'll find a few of their comments in the book. Pete, however, goes a giant step further by connecting articulation to wealth and happiness and to the clear thinking and better decisions that thwart mediocrity. He quite correctly points out that we think in words, and we need more words to think with as the issues we need to resolve become more complex, as they do as we rise in any organization and as our close relationships mature.