Special Event 

# *The Soul of Civility*

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Date and Time 

December 4, 2023 12 - 1 PM EST 

Location 

Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 

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##### Featuring 

![Alexandra Hudson](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-11/alexandra-hudson-circle-crop.jpeg?itok=FPOU1neY) 

Alexandra Hudson 

Author, *The Soul of Civility*

[ 

](https://twitter.com/LexiOHudson) 

![Allan Carey headshot](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2025-03/Allan%20Carey-circle.jpg?itok=u2O4QFNZ) 

Allan Carey 

Senior Director, Educational and Talent Programs, Cato Institute

In an era marked by contentiousness, rancor, and bitter divide, what role does or should civility play in our society? Further, how ought proper civility be understood and meaningfully differ from mere politeness? In her new book, *The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves*, Alexandra Hudson addresses these insights with a refreshing exploration that digs deeply into the history of civility, its relevance for today, and the impact it can have on ourselves, our relationships, and our society.

The Cato Institute’s Sphere Education Initiatives is pleased to host Alexandra Hudson in the Hayek Auditorium on December 4th from 12–1 pm EST for a special book release event. Please join us in person or via online streaming video for this important conversation.

**Lunch to follow**

![The Soul of Civility cover](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/promo_block_book_cover_1x/public/2023-11/the-soul-of-civility-cover.jpg?itok=OM0cL-Fl) 

##### Featured Book 

### *[The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves](https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Civility-Timeless-Principles-Ourselves-ebook/dp/B0B9KTF7BP?tag=catoinstitute-20)*

Alexandra Hudson, daughter of the “Manners Lady,” was raised to respect others. But as she grew up, Hudson discovered a difference between politeness—a superficial appearance of good manners—and true civility. In this timely book, Hudson sheds light on how civility can help bridge our political divide.

From classical philosophers like Epictetus, to great twentieth-century thinkers like Martin Luther King Jr., to her own experience working in the federal government during one of the most politically fraught eras in our nation’s history, Hudson examines how civility—a respect for the personhood and dignity of others—transcends political disagreements. Respecting someone means valuing them enough to tell them when you think they are wrong.

[Purchase Book](https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Civility-Timeless-Principles-Ourselves-ebook/dp/B0B9KTF7BP?tag=catoinstitute-20) 

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