But love, in its mystery, has its own power. It alone gives us meaning that endures. It alone allows us to embrace and cherish life. Love has power both to resist in our nature what we know we much resist, and to affirm what we know we must affirm. And love, as the poets remind us, is eternal.

To survive as a human being is possible only through love. And, when Thanatos is ascendant, the instinct must be to reach out to those we love, to see in them all the diversity, pity, and pathos of the human. And to recognise love in the lives of others—even those with whom we are in conflict—love that is like our own.

This book was given to me by someone very dear. He wrote this inscription on the title page:

“I had the chance to read this when God‘s Chosen People were trying to fulfil their messianic delusions. It is relevant now more than ever. May you continue to find a life of love and meaning.”

I am so grateful this book fell into my hands when it did. Chris Hedges is a striking writer, and a perspective well worth listening to.