5.0 out of 5 stars This book is brilliant

s.a. · 24 January 2023

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } This is an exploration of human behaviour from the perspective of us all and the ‘stories’ we are told every day. It has easy answers to the questions and challenges raised on its pages, though they will require effort, energy and commitment to realise – like exercising long forgotten muscles. It is however a hopeful, thoughtful and inspiring book to stimulate change and creative solutions by starting with ourselves.The book is simply laid out and well referenced throughout (the references themselves make for excellent additional reading), with an easy almost conversational style. What drives the narrative is Jon sharing both his lived experience and the stories of ‘citizen role-models’, individuals and companies, that serve as examples of how we can all engineer a different outcome for ourselves and others by joining together.Early in the book, Jon explains how we have first existed in the subject story – one of deference and dependence on others. This has led to our perceived liberation more recently in the consumer story – one where the illusion of power sits with us individually, but we are in fact being driven to consume. The consumer story pits individuals in competition with one another and as a result, new inequalities have arisen globally. As we now come to understand that our planetary resources are finite, we clearly need to emerge into a new paradigm and this is the citizen story.It is important to acknowledge the fundamental changes in the UK during the period in which this review has been written, with a new Constitutional Monarch and a new Prime Minister. This is framed by the outcome of EU-exit, the rise of populism in Europe and a war in Ukraine – itself having an extreme impact on the global food supply system. I spoke with Jon at an event, to ensure that my review would remain relevant. He told me ‘We must see the opportunity in the moment in time we are living in. Whilst it can be seen as a time of collapse, we are equally in an emerging story of collaboration, engagement and citizenship’.The book contains multiple and wildly different examples of exactly this approach:In Taiwan, political resistance from a group of computer hackers led to a shift in how the democratic process was understood by those in power.Crowd sourcing of public ideas was used to identify solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan (coordinated by one of the leaders of the hacking group, who later became a member of the Taiwanese Government),In the UK, Brewdog achieved engagement by creating passionate advocates of craft beer to help crowdfund its growth.Wherever you begin personally in terms of your belief in democracy or ‘people power’, this book can meet you there and take you further to the understanding of how citizens (or people, if you prefer) can fix everything.I recommend this book as a reading book or audiobook. It is a hopeful call to action. We have all been believing in the consumer story, perhaps even perpetuating it. However, the philosophy behind this book not only shows us that a better future is possible, but also opens a path to get us there.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration and brilliant examples to move from consumer to citizen for indviduals/orgs/govt's

C.R. · 12 May 2022

Since reading this book, I'm seeing things differently, rather than feeling hopeless about the state of politics or the slow pace of change in organisations, I see how we are getting stuck and importantly the next steps and nudges to move from consumer logic to sustainable, active, (non burnt out) citizens where together we create change.What I love about this book is that is doesn't just share a powerful idea, but shows how its already happening with examples from all areas of society.Jon Alexander is generous in sharing the frameworks that New Citizenship Project are using in their work and they are powerful, relatable and resonate strongly with values I (and I believe many) hold about how we could go about work and life.A highly recommended read that I continue to reflect on and explore.

4.0 out of 5 stars People power and the utility of collectives

D.L. · 5 May 2022

Wonderfully written thesis exploring the transition that can be made from 'Consumer' to 'Citizen', and how this change of emphasis results in revolutions, both for individuals and collectives. Great book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Feeling frustrated and powerless? This book invites communities to step into their power.

N.S. · 6 January 2023

A brilliant book, that makes sense of the world and the path humanity is on. From the earliest years we have defined ourselves through the dominant story of the day. Jon Alexander explains how this has shaped our path and why we have accepted this in that particular moment. The good news is that out of the current chaos there might just be a new day dawning and he offers plenty of evidence of this transition. The most inspiring book I have read in quite a while and essential reading for anyone that is hopeful that their community can BE the change they want to see.... rather than waiting for others. Buy it and act.

5.0 out of 5 stars Humans 3.0?

T. · 27 March 2022

A powerful book, full of great examples, but not afraid to call out those who could do better - Brewdog, Patagonia, we're looking at you...I'm 76% of the way through, according to my Kindle, but have found it so thought-provoking that I wanted to review it already. I came across Jon Alexander via the Jon Richardson and the Futurenauts podcast (thoroughly recommended!), and bought it as soon as I could.Now just wondering how best to pitch some ideas from it to our Global COO - it's that good!If you want some insight as to how your community - be it a town, a charity, a government, or anything else - can get to the next level, then this is the book you need.

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, though a second edition is urgently needed!

J.D. · 3 April 2022

There are lots of good ideas in Alexander and Conrad's book and other reviewers have drawn attention to them. I can't give 5 stars because the problem with using "current" examples in a book is that the stories of those examples continue to unfold. Disappointment is expressed about Founder Syndrome affecting BrewDog, but little mention of the accusations of misogyny, bullying or sexual misconduct experienced by many staff. When we laud people, we'd better be very sure they live up to all their self-proclaimed ideals. I'd drop the Brewdog example from the second edition: the company's methods are precisely what cause people to feel helpless. Aside from that, be a good citizen and read this for yourself.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lightbulb moments on every page, a must read

A.T. · 7 March 2023

When you're reading a book that you just can't put down…If, like me, you're grappling with the overwhelm of injustice and all that seems wrong in this world - I can't recommend this book enough. It's about our collective responsibility to shape the world around us for the better. Seeing how things could be, rather than how they are.Thank you Jon Alexander for helping to make sense of my thoughts, and for creating this masterpiece. Lightbulb moments in every chapter.I'm reading on intently, with every hope that this is our future...“This is who we are, as humans. Or at least who we are capable of being. If the conditions we create together allow it, and if we choose to be.”

No One Is Coming To Save Us - We MUST Save Ourselves Through Citizen Engagement

K.B. · 15 June 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Our book club is reading this book now. It's the right book at the right moment. The author examines consumer, subject and citizen societies - what each offers and the many reasons why we must be a citizen society. We have obligations - duties, if you will - in exchange for our freedoms and no one else is going to save us. WE must step up and make clear to our elected officials - if you can't or won't pay attention to your constituents, we are going to make the change we demand. This isn't the first book we've read on this subject, we also read "The Bill of Obligations," and others. The refreshing presentation of the stories of individuals and the lessons to be learned from each is a great approach.

Reading this book filled me with hope!

L. · 24 January 2023

Jon Alexander's has written a great book that is both critical of some of our existing paradigms and profoundly hopeful. Moreover, Alexander's ability to put his vision into words in such a simple and compelling way is impressive and inviting. I haven't left a book feeling so hopeful in a very long time and I'm excited for the Citizen era and can't wait to help bring it to life.

A seismic shift in perception of individual potential

P.r. · 19 February 2024

A well-researched and cogently-put case for uncoupling ourselves from the toxic consumer environment in which we have allowed ourselves to be comfortably and conveniently trapped. Using practical examples, it shows how we can all take responsibility for our decisions, reconnect with our true values and with one another. We complain about surveillance capitalism yet do nothing about it - a strange thing to claim on a platform like this, but perhaps a more subtle use of the underlying algorithm! This book is a call to action and should be required reading for anyone interested in a collaborative future for us all.

This book contains a truly great world changing idea

I.B. · 26 March 2022

This book is well written, with engaging and inspiring case studies.Layed out is a great framework for becoming part of the Citizen Story in our own best way.This book will go onto my top 21 recommended books to read for the reasons above and because it contains a truly great world changing idea.

Jon Alexander calls us to action and reminds us of our responsibilities for the state of the world.

s.p. · 27 March 2022

Jon Alexander's "Citizens" is an essential book for our times. Sharing with Jon as career in marketing and advertising I have watched with increasing revulsion the reduction of people to numbers and the conversion of human relationships to commercial transactions. In the economic sphere there is a clear understanding that we are more than consumers, we may be buyers but we are also believers in causes, we may be creators but more than anything else we are citizens. What Jon rightly does is remind us of our own agency and challenge us to act. With my lifelong interest in Marxist economics, I find Citizens is as a revolutionary as Simon Schama's history of the French Revolution of the same name.