Non-Business Book: Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation

What would John Lewis do right now? He isn’t here, the best we can do is learn from him and try to do right by his example.

Representative John Lewis, as he was dying, wrote one last book in 2020. It included the things he wanted the next generation to keep in mind in order to carry on the work he started as the last of the Big Six civil rights leaders and as the Conscience of Congress.

“Whatever good work you do, whatever powerful, profound work—do it because it’s right or because it’s necessary. Do it to make change for the better. Do it because you know you must. Don’t do it for credit.”

The book is divided into short topical chapters like “On Good Trouble,” “On Activism,” “On Fear.” It includes anecdotes from his childhood, his time in the civil rights movement, and his time in Congress. You learn how much thought went into each of his 45 arrests, including the 5 times he got arrested after he joined Congress. You learn how often he disagreed with his party leadership and had to vote his conscience instead.

For me, the most powerful section was the description of the deep and painful preparation the civil rights activists underwent: time studying Gandhi, time practicing eye contact while getting assaulted because they wanted their abusers to confront their humanity, time they spent screaming at each other at lunch counters so when they actually sat down they were steeled and ready. Every action was thought out, deliberated, rehearsed, and so enduringly peaceful.

John Lewis reminded us to be our best selves despite the world around us, to act on our conscience regardless of pressure from colleagues or enemies or the way the world or the government tells you to be. He died hopeful, peaceful, and full of forgiveness.

If you are an audiobook person, Don Cheadle did a lovely job reading this one.

“Sit in, stand up. Be fierce. Be stubborn . . . Our work is never easy. It’s hard. When you move in the direction of the good, more will come to the cause. It may not happen overnight, or in a few days, weeks, or years. But have faith that your good work will be a drop in the river that will eventually break the dam, ushering in a more peaceful world.”