The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels by Jon Meacham

Jon Meacham’s book “The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels” is a timely exploration of American history as seen through the lens of a divided nation looking for a way forward. Meacham believes we can learn from the past and reminds us that although the country is experiencing unprecedented divisions, we have always found a path back to the values we share.

The book begins with the story of a momentous speech given by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, looking to rally the country during the darkest days of the Civil War. Lincoln spoke of the nation’s better angels, those ideals that created a more perfect union and must again be called upon in times of upheaval. Meacham uses this address as a call to arms against divisions that threaten to splinter the country’s soul.

Meacham examines the turbulent chapters of our nation's evolution through the lens of human nature in its highest and most noble expressions. He delves into the challenges of slavery, WWII, civil rights, the Vietnam War, and terrorism, tracing the answers to their questions through the uplifting of our better angels. He argues that although the American experiment is fraught with challenges, it ultimately succeeds because of the resilience of its citizens and their shared commitment to core values.

The author spotlights numerous moments in history where the nation's collective spirit has prevailed, such as Supreme Court rulings on equality, the peaceful protests of the civil rights movement, and the bipartisan cooperation exhibited in hard-fought policy decisions. He points out that the resilience of the American people and our ability to put aside differences for the greater good has been a manifestation of the country’s better angels.

Meacham also acknowledges that today's divisions in the United States are real, but suggests that pulling on the nation's heartstrings is necessary to move us away from these fissures. He encourages readers to carry on the ideals of those who have come before us, ones that have helped the nation navigate its darkest hours.

At the heart of this book is the central idea that our divided nation can pull from a deep reservoir of shared values and purpose. Meacham reminds us that despite our differences, the way forward lies in our indomitable spirit and a commitment to the values that have made the United States strong. “The Soul of America” offers a way for us to move the nation’s better angels to the forefront and use them to transcend divisions. Through a thought-provoking look into history and a hopeful look forward, this book is an optimistic call from Meacham to seek out our better angels. “The Soul of America” provides readers with a reminder of the nation’s can-do spirit, and that ultimately, our destiny lies in our hands.