What Are The Four Rules For Radicals By Saul Alinsky

Jamila Day

Dr. Horton, Business Ethics 4083

27 March 2023

Alinsky Paper

Saul Alinsky was a community organizer and author of the book "Rules for Radicals." The book outlines his approach to social and political activism through a set of thirteen rules. Altogether, the rules emphasize the importance of building power and organizing people around specific issues. While these rules may be controversial and not universally accepted, they have been influential in the field of community organizing and his rules provide a framework for community organizers to build power and effect change.

One of Alinsky’s rules that I believe characterizes the way things ought to be, is his sixth rule. It states that “a good tactic is one your people enjoy.” In

For instance, the fear of public speaking, flying, or the fear of trying something new can seem more terrifying than they really are. Once people face those challenges, they often realize that they weren't as difficult or as bad as they had originally thought. However, it is that initial fear that causes people to overreact. People resist change or new ideas because they are uncertain about what the future holds. In a Biblical setting, this rule can be seen in the story of Elijah in 1 Kings. This passage exemplifies the idea that the threat is greater than the thing itself. After receiving a death threat from Queen Jezebel, “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life” (1 Kings 19:3). Despite not facing any physical harm yet, he was so terrified of the threat of his death that he even prayed for God to take his life while he was in the wilderness. We learn later in the chapter that an angel came before him and provided Elijah with food and water. Overall, God was able to provide for Elijah and he had nothing to worry about. This proves Alinsky’s rule that people are often more terrified of the unknown and the threat of losing

I believe that the negativity in the long run will ultimately lead to the downfall of any previous work put in. In Ephesians 4:29, it states, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." This passage emphasizes the importance of positive