The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

Like many youngsters, I had no opinion of politics other than thinking that it's a mess. Nothing seems to get done because of a vague "system", kept in place by vested interests. I thought of politics as a game, where the slickest and most appealing personalities win. At least on my part, I'd vote just by the contestant's personality, and how good a person he or she projected to be.

After reading this book, I realized that there is a method to this madness. Politics consists of policies, policies which aim to benefit sections of people. There is a way to think about what is required for the country. There is a way to even sometimes, transcend seemingly opposing ideologies. That deep comprehension, a 360-degree view of a problem, and empathy can help us formulate regulations that can actually benefit people.

This requires a brain that can grapple with complexities, not just scientific complexities but human complexities. This job requires a professor with a heart, not a movie star. A patriot who can also be empathetic, not a successful mogul. A person who can formulate third alternatives in the face of opposition, not just a forceful decision-maker with a one-track mind. Policies and their implementation records of potential candidates matter. A clear understanding of complex social issues matters. And for the top job (President/Prime Minister), an international mindset matters, because you need to represent the best interests of your nation on the world stage. Obama explains his views lucidly, giving deep insights into the running of a country, what unites and what divides America, problems of race, gender and income, etc. Fantastic read. Respect.