Civil society, communitarianism, new social movements, NGOs--these are the watchwords of an age in which unprecedented numbers of people have joined organizations and involved themselves in social action. Yet, as Brian Murphy argues, many of us are pessimistic when confronted by the powerful forces of huge faceless corporations and the governments that serve them, about our ability to change anything. This book is for all those--community workers, development workers, social activists of every kind--who want to overcome pessimism and play a part in changing society in the direction of peace, justice and dignity for all human beings. Brian Murphy elaborates a framework for renewal of human action and learning. He explains why progressive social organization is possible and identifies some of the principles that can promote it.