ABSTRACT
Radical political perspectives promote models of a society characterized by equal rights, a just distribution of goods and opportunities, non-oppressive social relations, and personal freedom. These models correctly identify some of the root causes of human suffering in hierarchy, exploitation, and oppression. Individualism is made up of competitiveness, exclusion of others, continual desire for self-enhancement and self-protection, hostility to difference, emotional over-dependence on a few relationships, and difficulties in achieving intimacy. A spiritual perspective also undermines individualism. Many of the central personal virtues of a spiritual life—compassion, mercy, empathy, love—can all lead to constructive and healing bonds with others. Descriptions of the content and goal of spiritual life are alien and confusing to many people. The ego is not only the source of a tremendous amount of individual suffering. Feminism builds on many Marxist insights, but it adds a strong emphasis on the everyday experiences of personal life.
