The Open Space of Democracy(2004)
Order from Wipf & Stock Publishers
The Orion Society Thoughts on America Intiative sponsored the Open Space of Democracy Tour, a national, multi-media tour of conciliation and dialogue on the paramount question of leadership in America. The Orion Society posted Terry's thoughts during her tour in an online "Democracy Diary." The first part of the Democracy Diary was also featured in Grist Magazine. You can also read excerpts from "The Open Space of Democracy" online on the Orion Society web site: Commencement, Ground Truthing, and Engagement.
"In a time of despair Terry Tempest Williams offers us hope. In a season of confrontation she provides connection. Against the passions of war she wields peace. To the bray of hubris she speaks quietly of reflection. And all, each magical phrase of it, is rooted in the land she loves."
—Carl Pope, Executive Director, The Sierra Club
"Terry Tempest Williams equates the majesty of our nation’s wild places with the essence of America’s democracy. Her inspiring essays are thought provoking reminders of the responsibility each of us has to protect and defend these precious gifts."
—President Jimmy Carter
"Terry Tempest Williams blends the symbolism of nature and democracy and draws readers down the road of personal engagement. It is both tough and thoughtful, harmonious and challenging. Her imaginative theory presented in such inspiring narrative will inspire you to see more, feel more and do more."
—Robert Redford
"The fierce questioning of our American status quo, a hunger for life’s essences, a fearless confrontation with doubt and self-doubt—all the exhilarating hallmarks of Terry Tempest Williams’ work come sharply to bear here on a central question of our time: Can American-style democracy survive in its birthplace?"
—Barry Lopez
"Terry Tempest Williams demands that there be room in our political dialogue for differences and even dissent, and she starts a national conversation to do just that. She begins this conversation with vivid images of her work in Utah and her travels in the Arctic. She speaks from the heart about places that she truly loves, answering the question for herself and us: what are we willing to give our lives to, if not the perpetuation of the sacred. Her stories, recognizing the power of individual action, remind us that the human heart is the first home of democracy."
—Bill Meadows
Executive Director, The Wilderness Society
"In The Open Space of Democracy, Terry Tempest Williams issues an urgently needed call for the cultivation of a democratic way of life in America that integrates ecological, social, and spiritual values."
—Steven C. Rockefeller
Professor Emeritus of Religion, Middlebury College
Member, Earth Charter Commission
The Open Space of Democracy
Orion Society
2004
107 Pages
ISBN: 0-913-09863-9
Wipf & Stock Publishers
2010
107 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-60899-208-9
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Terry Tempest Williams, in a triptych of essays originally published in Orion magazine, presents a sharp-edged perspective on the ethics and politics of place, spiritual democracy, and the responsibilities of citizen engagement. By turn elegiac, inspiring, and passionate, The Open Space of Democracy offers a fresh perspective on the critical questions of our time.
