With the election behind us, many are feeling a mix of emotions—relief, frustration, and perhaps even disappointment. No matter who won, half of the country inevitably feels let down. In these moments, when our divisions seem deeper than ever, Arthur C. Brooks’ book Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt becomes an essential guide for moving forward with hope and unity.

A Timely Message for a Divided Nation

Brooks, a social scientist and former president of the American Enterprise Institute, presents a compelling case for overcoming the polarization and animosity that have become so pervasive in American culture. He introduces the concept of “the culture of contempt,” which he defines as the toxic mix of anger and disgust aimed at those with opposing views. This contempt, he argues, is not just harmful—it’s tearing apart the very fabric of our society.

No doubt at some point over the last month or two you’ve experienced this firsthand. In the wake of the election, this message is more relevant than ever. Regardless of political affiliation, many people are struggling with how to process their emotions and maintain their relationships with those who see the world differently. Brooks’ call to “love your enemies” offers a powerful antidote to the despair and division that often follow contentious elections.

Practical Steps for Healing and Understanding

What makes Love Your Enemies particularly valuable is its practicality. Brooks doesn’t simply call for unity and understanding—he provides tangible strategies to help us get there. These are especially helpful now, as we try to navigate post-election conversations with family, friends, and colleagues who may feel differently than we do. 

Some of the key takeaways from the book include:

• Embrace Warm-Heartedness: Brooks encourages us to approach others, especially those we disagree with, with kindness and warmth. This doesn’t mean compromising our beliefs, but rather showing respect and genuine interest in their perspectives.
• Reject Contempt: In the face of disappointment or gloating, it can be easy to fall into the trap of contempt. Brooks urges us to consciously reject this impulse, recognizing that it only deepens our divides.
• Engage in Civil Discourse: Instead of avoiding difficult conversations, Brooks advocates for engaging in them thoughtfully and respectfully. By listening and sharing openly, we can build bridges rather than walls

These principles are not just for political interactions—they apply to every area of life where differences can create tension. Brooks shows that by practicing these habits, we can transform how we interact with others and, ultimately, how we see the world.

Moving Forward with Hope

Love Your Enemies is a great read for this moment when emotions are raw, and the temptation to withdraw or lash out is strong. Brooks reminds us that the way forward is not through more division but through understanding, respect, and, ultimately, love. His book is a beacon of hope, offering a roadmap to healing and reconciliation in the wake of political disappointment.

As we process the results of this election and look ahead to the future, Love Your Enemies challenges us to be better—to reject the culture of contempt and instead embrace a culture of compassion and empathy. This election season, let’s take Brooks’ advice to heart and strive to build a society where differences are acknowledged with respect and disagreements are met with love. By doing so, we can begin to heal the wounds that divide us and work together toward a more unified nation.