Book Review of “The Island of the Center of the World” by Russell Shorto. Reviewed by Peter Morrell.

In Liberalism as a Way of Life, Alexandre Lefebvre reclaims liberalism as more than politics — presenting it as a humane philosophy for living with purpose, dignity, and mutual respect. At a time when the word “liberal” is often distorted, Lefebvre offers a calm, restorative vision rooted in personal character and democratic responsibility.

Drawing on thinkers like Pierre Hadot, John Rawls, and Alexis de Tocqueville, he shows that liberalism helps individuals seek meaning, balance freedom with responsibility, and pursue happiness while preserving the rights of others.

ATTENSITY! reframes attention as a political commons, not a personal failing. Written by The Friends of Attention, this manifesto exposes how platforms profit from distraction and argues that reclaiming our attention is essential to collective power, democracy, and liberation.