Deepening the American Dream: Reflections on the Inner Life and Spirit of Democracy

What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Being American

"Reading through the essays collected in this book is afeast for the citizen as well as a feast for the soul."
From the Foreword by ROBERT N. BELLAH

"This important book brings together some of the most creativethinkers in the nation to look beyond the troublesome reality of ourtime and to imagine a bold new way of thinking and living. It challenges us to cross the boundaries that keep us apart, and points, inspiringly, to a future that unites us with all human beings. As editor, Mark Nepo conveys thepoetry, grace, and wisdom of his earlier work."
HOWARD ZINN, author, A People′s History of the United States,and coauthor (with Anthony Arnove),Voices of a People′s History of the United States

Deepening the American Dream offers a stellar collection of original essays from distinguished writers and thinkers who reflect on the American dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: What is it? Whose is it? How does it relate to the rest of the world and to those dreaming other dreams? The contributors include

David M. Abshire
Robert N. Bellah
Carolyn T. Brown
Charles Gibbs
Theodore M. Hesburgh
Robert Inchausti
Gerald G. May
Jacob Needleman
Mark Nepo
Elaine H. Pagels
Parker J. Palmer

Mark Nepo, a distinguished poet and writer, is the author of The Book of Awakening (2000), a One Spirit Book Club selection, finalist for the 2000 Books for a Better Life Award, and one of Spirituality and Health magazine′s Best Spiritual Books of 2000. His most recent book is The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live an Authentic Life (2005) which Spirituality and Health magazine has cited as "one of the best books we′ve ever read on what it takes to live an authentic life." He is a program officer for the Fetzer Institute.