SummaryThe book begins with the idea that the crisis in this world today is that everyone experiences a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. This is due to the democracy we have today. With the author's definition of a living democracy, it allows us to begin with the creation of institutions in the service of life. To live a democracy, we must involve more people in solving problems. If the people closest to the problem can help and resolve the problem, then the solution will seem more reasonable and appropriate. The author's problem with a fragile democracy is that there are not enough people involved in this nation's democracy. It makes you feel like you are nothing or that you don't matter. This is where the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness come in. The book goes on to explain why you may feel these feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. How can we, as citizens of this country, hope to have a living, effective, complete democracy, when the people who run it are corrupt and do things that are the complete opposite of a living democracy? The book uses the Bush administration as an example. They diluted the Clean Water Act so that it no longer applies to sixty percent of major waterways. They refused to increase the minimum wage. They have cut funding for the police and programs that help low-income families. They also cut funds for affordable housing, public schools, child care for low-income families and nutrition. One might believe that this thin democracy is all that exists. This is not true, there are places and times where living democracy is the one that prevails and it is what gives us hope and the will to continue. The book goes on to discuss thinking about what makes a person truly happy. People think they can fill the voids in their lives with a brand new boat or car, but that's not true. This section talks about power and what it is. People think that power is having money and nice things, and that is the case today. This view of power only further divides us as a nation. Once a person's basic needs are met, all they really need are healthy relationships with those close to them..