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'A hymn to the mystery of disobedience...What makes you eager to push this book into the hands of the next person you meet are the small, still moments, epics captured in miniature.... Essential.' --The New York Times
'Evocative...A valentine to the human spirit.' --The Wall Street Journal
'On stage and in the pulpit, moral dilemmas of this kind tend to have a black-and-white clarity. Working from life, Mr. Press brings out the grays....Rich in personal, circumstantial details that analytical thinkers in search of clear principles may overlook.' --The Economist
'Press examines his subjects carefully....In some ways Beautiful Souls is a thoughtful gesture of support. That might sound like a small thing, but it's not. Compassion never is.' --The New York Times Book Review
'Provides rich, provocative narratives of moral choice...Press makes us wonder if we would have the strength to act against the crowd, and in so doing spread a bit of light in our own dark times.' --The Washington Post
'Fantastic...A brilliant meditation on [the] very difficult decisions of conscience that people have to make...I just want to urge everybody, please read this book.' --The Nation
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'Evocative...A valentine to the human spirit.' --The Wall Street Journal
'On stage and in the pulpit, moral dilemmas of this kind tend to have a black-and-white clarity. Working from life, Mr. Press brings out the grays....Rich in personal, circumstantial details that analytical thinkers in search of clear principles may overlook.' --The Economist
'Press examines his subjects carefully....In some ways Beautiful Souls is a thoughtful gesture of support. That might sound like a small thing, but it's not. Compassion never is.' --The New York Times Book Review
'Provides rich, provocative narratives of moral choice...Press makes us wonder if we would have the strength to act against the crowd, and in so doing spread a bit of light in our own dark times.' --The Washington Post
'Fantastic...A brilliant meditation on [the] very difficult decisions of conscience that people have to make...I just want to urge everybody, please read this book.' --The Nation
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On the Swiss border with Austria in 1938, a police captain refuses to enforce a law barring Jewish refugees from entering his country. In the Balkans half a century later, a Serb from the war-blasted city of Vukovar defies his superiors in order to save the lives of Croats. At the height of the Second Intifada, a member of Israel's most elite military unit informs his comm...more
Published February 14th 2012 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
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Majority Report Library 42 books — 1 voter
Austrian Economic Reads of 2012 40 books — 11 voters
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Rating details
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Sep 23, 2012Holly rated it really liked it
The brevity of the book (183 pages of text consisting of an introductory prologue, four case studies, and a brief epilogue + notes) belies the expansiveness of the material and how much reflection the book deserved. (In my case I needed a respite after each chapter to let things sink in.)
I pulled out a quote that, although not Eyal Press's own prose, illustrates a major conclusion: 'Conformists are often though to be protective of social interests, keeping quiet for the group. [...] By contrast,...more
Jan 13, 2013Mikey B. rated it really liked itI pulled out a quote that, although not Eyal Press's own prose, illustrates a major conclusion: 'Conformists are often though to be protective of social interests, keeping quiet for the group. [...] By contrast,...more
Shelves: journalism, 20th-century-history, war, biography
There are four very different beautiful individuals portrayed in this book. Certainly the most commendable is the Serbian, Jevtic, who rescued Croatian prisoners by pretending they were Serbians; he thus saved their lives from horrendous beatings and quite possibly death. If Jevtics’ rouse would have come to light, he almost certainly would have been in mortal danger.
Sometimes I found the writer, Eyal Press, taking his own preconceived ideas to the interview. For example in the case of Jevtic he...more
Sometimes I found the writer, Eyal Press, taking his own preconceived ideas to the interview. For example in the case of Jevtic he...more
Nov 04, 2011Andrew rated it really liked it
What motivates someone to object to the status quo because their conscience informs them that those around them are wrong? When we hear stories of soldiers who disobey orders they believe to be illegal, of police officers reporting the corruption of their colleagues, of corporate insiders exposing the illegal activities of their companies, what is our reaction? Sometimes, these people are hailed as heroes, people who resisted the pressures to conform with evil and stood up for what was right. Bu...more
An emotion and thought provoking book, one that should be read by everyone, although it probably will only be read by a small minority and won't be read by people who might benefit most by it.
For the first half of the book, I found it uplifting to read about individuals who acted according to their consciences, without concern for what would be best for them. Then, a pattern of retribution for their actions developed - from authorities and from society - society meaning other people. Jobs were l...more
For the first half of the book, I found it uplifting to read about individuals who acted according to their consciences, without concern for what would be best for them. Then, a pattern of retribution for their actions developed - from authorities and from society - society meaning other people. Jobs were l...more
This is a beautiful thought-provoking book which describes the stories of four unrelated people of different nationalities, in different situations who act on their own beliefs to go against the grain of society to make hard choices to do the right thing. I kept asking myself: would I have the courage to do what he/she did? What sets these people apart is that they were not a part of an organized group fighting for justice. I can easily put myself in the position of someone joining a group to fi...more
While I was interested in the profiles featured and moral questions raised in this book, I ultimately found it difficult to enjoy because it was so poorly written. There were sentences so convoluted and poorly phrased that I needed to re-read them several times to try to figure out what the author was trying to say. I believe I encountered my first run-on sentence fragment.
It's really a shame, because I wanted to like this book. I'm always interested in voices of dissent, especially lone voices...more
It's really a shame, because I wanted to like this book. I'm always interested in voices of dissent, especially lone voices...more
Interesting that yafeh nefesh which literally means 'beautiful soul' is used disparagingly in Israel to describe 'those whose cast judgment at an extremely safe remove from the place where hard choices have to be made.' This book looks at four beautiful souls in hard-choice lands ( a border agent illegally letting jews through the Swis border in 1938, a Serb saving Croats Serbia in 1992, an elite unit IDF soldier refusing to serve in Israeli occupied territories in 2003, and an Enron whistleblo...more
This book was excellent. It focuses on four people who decided to stand up for what they believed was right, even though everybody else was going the opposite way. One man helped refugees illegally enter Switzerland during WWII. One saved Croats in a prison camp even though he was a Serb. One IDF soldier refused to serve in the occupied territories. And one woman lost her job trying to expose illegal financial practices that ruined thousands of lives.
These people were extraordinary in some ways,...more
These people were extraordinary in some ways,...more
Mar 30, 2017Larry Bassett rated it liked it · review of another edition
I am a war tax resister and like to think that I am following my conscience and doing the right thing by refusing to pay federal income taxes that finance war and killing. So I came to read this book thinking it would replicate and reinforce my thinking. And in some ways it did but in many ways it did not.
The people explored in this book were a part of The System for the most part but came for some reason to believe that the system was wrong and they had to go against it. They did that with anxi...more
The people explored in this book were a part of The System for the most part but came for some reason to believe that the system was wrong and they had to go against it. They did that with anxi...more
Feb 24, 2012Edward Sullivan rated it really liked it
A fascinating, provocative book that seeks to explain the behavior of 'righteous' individuals--those who, when all those around them do evil or are silently complicit in it, are not--people who break ranks, act alone, and risk everything including their lives in order to do the moral thing.
Feb 27, 2012Naomi rated it it was amazing
A must-read for anyone interested in moral courage.
Aug 31, 2017Kristin rated it really liked it
'At the center of our moral life and our moral imagination are the great models of resistance: the great stories of those who have said 'No.' - Susan Sontag
This book was just what I was hoping it would be - inspirational, thought-provoking, relevant. While it certainly does not read like a novel, it examines the decisions of four individuals who were faced with 'choices and dilemmas we all face when our principles collide with the loyalties we harbor and the duties we are expected to fulfill.'
Th...more
This book was just what I was hoping it would be - inspirational, thought-provoking, relevant. While it certainly does not read like a novel, it examines the decisions of four individuals who were faced with 'choices and dilemmas we all face when our principles collide with the loyalties we harbor and the duties we are expected to fulfill.'
Th...more
This is a thought provoking book, a deeply reflective one that seeks an explanation for the behavior of the 'righteous' - those individuals who, when all those around them are 'doing evil' or are silently complicit in it, are not - those who do 'the good thing', the moral heroes who act alone, defy the group norms, break ranks, risk their positions in society, their livelihoods, their lives, simply to be 'good'. In the author's search for an explanation of this behavior, Press considers some bas...more
Jul 14, 2012Cindy rated it really liked it
Thoughtful examination of individuals who chose to stand on principle and stand apart from the group. Press analyzes literature and interviews resisters and their families to examine what makes these people different from the rest of us. He opens with an example from WW II, when a German police squad in Poland, when offered a choice to participate or not in the execution of Jewish women, children and elderly, most conformed and complied with their orders. Some police, however, when offered a way...more
Very interesting non-fiction book about 4 people who 'did the right thing'.
Each person gets their own section of the book, so the reader does not have to read it in order
nor all at one time. Although I hope I would be as 'good' and 'brave' as the first 3 people.
After reading this book, I would never do what this brave 4th person did. Even though what she
did was right...the author makes doing what she did sound like a hopeless endeavor without any
kind of recompense. In fact it makes such a perso...more
Each person gets their own section of the book, so the reader does not have to read it in order
nor all at one time. Although I hope I would be as 'good' and 'brave' as the first 3 people.
After reading this book, I would never do what this brave 4th person did. Even though what she
did was right...the author makes doing what she did sound like a hopeless endeavor without any
kind of recompense. In fact it makes such a perso...more
Apr 12, 2016Sam Killermann rated it really liked it
Well-written, compelling stories of historical figures I never knew, and am happy I now know of. That said, the book provides little more than these stories, which I found disappointing. I was expecting more in the way of non-fiction theory and praxis related to the subtitle, but got mostly non-fiction historical accounts of people who embodied those concepts. This shortcoming, I admit, is more in my assumption of what the book was than it was a shortcoming of the author to provide it, which is...more
I enjoyed this book because it focuses on those who have stood up for the greater good and made an impact on the world in their own way. I am struck by how many whistleblowers have been tried to be locked away or completely mistreated to the point of being paupers. I think Eyal Press also wrote this in the hopes that more people will learn from these upstanders. I also like the questions that are raised in the book and whether or not there are cultural, biological, or life experiences that lend...more
A series of well written stories of men and women who went against
rules they knew to be morally wrong. The men and women could see
no other action to take; Although the consequences were initially harsh,
they have been later regarded by many as heroes.
The last story was of Lyla Wydler, the financial advisor who was fired for questioning
the practices of Stanford Financial that led to their downfall. She didn't realize how
corrupt her industry had become,
from the paid off politicians, the regulator...more
rules they knew to be morally wrong. The men and women could see
no other action to take; Although the consequences were initially harsh,
they have been later regarded by many as heroes.
The last story was of Lyla Wydler, the financial advisor who was fired for questioning
the practices of Stanford Financial that led to their downfall. She didn't realize how
corrupt her industry had become,
from the paid off politicians, the regulator...more
A spare and realistic case study of three whistleblowers--with the hard lesson that the things that make people willing to act against the conformity of the majority (already being outsiders, defying authority, having a different vision of the organization than their peers) is often something that makes them easier to attack and discount, and which tends to make their subsequent lives difficult and a painful discouragement to others who might break ranks.
When Eyal Press' book, Beautiful Souls was released, he was interviewed on multiple TV talk shows, which piqued my interest. He presents himself in a thoughtful, serious, and earnest manner. Mr. Press has written a short, easy to read non-fiction about 'Saying no, breaking ranks, and heeding the voice of conscience in dark times'. You will meet a varied group of people who had the personal inner reserve to stand by their own conscience. Don't we each wonder if we would have that fortitude?
Apr 07, 2012Anna rated it it was amazingBeautiful Souls Quotes
Shelves: favorites
This book is incredible. Looks at what makes people say no to the norm and yes to what is right by all objective thought. Looks deeply into the situations of a Swiss guard, Serbian captive, Israeli soldier, and financial whistle-blower. Touches on psychological experiments and if the 'objectors' are really the rebels most folks think they are. A great read.
Aug 05, 2012Lorrie rated it it was amazingRecommended to Lorrie by: Judith
This is a wonderful book to read that verifies and legitimizes the need to say 'NO' or tell the truth even when you personally have nothing to gain (but perhaps a lot to lose) except for the maintenance/substantiation of your own integrity.
Jul 19, 2013Arjun Narayen rated it really liked it
A good read, an enlightening book about how to stick with your conscience. It would be a 5-star book for me but the writing was sometimes a bit verbose for my taste at times.
Dec 17, 2013Cassie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Very interesting read. It ties different historical events together through psychology and sociology. Really makes you ask 'what would I have done in that situation?'
Very interesting, thought provoking analysis of why some people chose to do the right thing even when it comes at high risk.
Mar 02, 2012Carrieuoregon rated it really liked it
A great, surprisingly scholarly book that doesn't shy away from hard questions.
Sounds like an interesting complement to William Ian Miller's book The Mystery of Courage.
A fascinating book - thankfully short, so one doesn't get lost in a universe of no doubt hundreds of thousands of individuals who have stood up against their societies and injustices of one sort or another. The fact that the author picked four examples was admirable, and restrained.
Four individuals: a Swiss citizen who in the late 1930s quietly let Jews fleeing Germany into his country due to his position as a state police commander along the border. Paul Gruniger 'was 47 years old, ... a pale u...more
Four individuals: a Swiss citizen who in the late 1930s quietly let Jews fleeing Germany into his country due to his position as a state police commander along the border. Paul Gruniger 'was 47 years old, ... a pale u...more
There are a fair number of books about bad people, numerous biographies about Hitler and their ilk and how it is they became the embodiment of evil. But Eyal Press was interested in a more overlooked subject, why some people resist the worst inclinations of their neighbors, sometimes their entire society's, and act on the side of goodness, even at extreme cost to themselves. His short book consists of a prologue, four chapters, and an epilogue. Each chapter is a unique case history focusing on a...more
An interesting presentation of 4 examples of people who have gone against extreme expectations existing in society to follow their own convictions. The author provides suggestions and results from behavioral scientists for why these people succeed in breaking ranks when the majority of society does not.
One example was a man who was a Croat in the turmoil between Serbs and Croats in the 1990s. He was known to be a Serb in a group of people herded into a barn and told to cull out the Serbs and ta...more
One example was a man who was a Croat in the turmoil between Serbs and Croats in the 1990s. He was known to be a Serb in a group of people herded into a barn and told to cull out the Serbs and ta...more
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