We Can Change the World: Tales from a Generation's Quest for Peace and Justice by Douglas L. Murray captures not just his experiences but also some of the major social issues through the 1960s. His parents never went to church after they relocated, but they insisted on him attending the services. At the Methodist church in Napa, he was greatly influenced by Reverend Juvinall, who, after extensively traveling the world, was motivated by people like Mahatma Gandhi. Reverend Juvinall also believed in tolerance among the major religions and social change. Douglas wasn't drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, but he saw the damage it did to the young people of his generation. He becomes an activist, joins a commune, and later travels to Cuba and Nicaragua to get a better understanding of the revolutions there.

We Can Change the World is a wonderfully written book that motivates readers to consider various issues outside what is considered mainstream. It got me thinking about the true cost of war. For instance, in the Vietnam War and the revolutionary fights in South America, the greatest toll was on ordinary people just trying to live their lives, unlike what was reported in the media. Douglas L. Murray expertly captured other issues of the time, such as racism and what those who fought against it went through. Other things that were covered include the fight for civil rights and the feminist movements. An aspect that captured my attention was a person's ability to start over, explore, and experience whatever they want without perceived social constraints.

In an increasingly divided world where minor variations in language, ideology, or skin tone can ignite wars that end up claiming hundreds of lives and leaving millions more hungry and homeless, would it not be wiser for humanity to set aside minor differences for the greater good? Based on the deeds of a select few, Douglas L. Murray thinks this is feasible and not just theoretical. His observations and documentation demonstrate that what some consider a pipe dream can come true with effort on both sides of the divide. We Can Change the World is a compilation of interactions between Murray and a few of these brave individuals as he details their heroic deeds.

Douglas L. Murray's account is masterfully compiled and meticulously recorded. It portrays not just a few well-known individuals who made a name for themselves by standing against the status quo but also ordinary, flawed individuals who chose to act morally because they believed in what was right at the risk of losing their lives, as was the case during his sojourn in Nicaragua. Although it seems at first that Murray has a personal connection to the people he writes about, he includes thoroughly well-researched historical flashpoints, which even the most doubtful of readers can use to verify the details of his stories. Including photos taken during his activities gives this compilation a unique personal touch. Murray's explanations are clear and concise, making it easy for readers to understand his perspective. However, one aspect of this outstanding collection that stands out is Murray's spirit of hope in each chapter of this exceptional work. Readers can learn a lot from Murray's We Can Change The World.

I was blown away by the moral and almost spiritual significance and beauty of We Can Change the World. Dr. Murray has recorded deeply affecting stories from the remarkable period of history our generation lived through and influenced. In some, he brings to light the courage of modest, largely unknown people who’ve made major sacrifices for their principles and for humanity. Some are so full of sensory detail that you almost feel you were there. The description of his quest for the paper nautilus at the end is just lovely, rising to the level of a parable. I am ordering more copies of the book to give away to friends.

Douglas Murray is a beautiful writer. His storytelling is powerful, and his ability to describe - people, places, events - is so vibrant. He writes in Technicolor. The stories and journeys that Murray shares with us brought waves of nostalgia for a time and a generation brimming with optimism and activism, as well as an honesty about those times that was refreshing. In our current, troubled times, We Can Change the World feels like a gentle call to the continued optimism and activism that is still so desperately needed. This read was like a massage for my soul.

Douglas Murray is a beautiful writer. His storytelling is powerful, and his ability to describe – people, places, events – is so vibrant. He writes in Technicolor. The stories and journeys that Murray shares with us brought waves of nostalgia for a time and a generation brimming with optimism and activism, as well as an honesty about those times that is refreshing. In our current, troubled times, We Can Change the World feels like a gentle call to the continued optimism and activism that is still so desperately needed. This read was like a massage for my soul.