ABSTRACT
Chapter Three, exploring the underlying motivations of everyday activists, discusses what drives people to take action. The intention is to prompt activists to understand and articulate their underlying reasons for being an activist. People interviewed for this book shared the motivations, values, and belief systems that compel them to act. Motivational themes included personal experiences, a desire for justice, duty, guilt, knowledge, empathy, living in accordance with values, faith, and legacy. The chapter draws upon inspiration from philosophers, psychologists, spiritual leaders, and creatives to understand more about whether activism helps find meaning in life. It argues that exploring motivation can increase activists understanding about what makes their life meaningful. In conclusion, a series of reflective questions are posed to help readers identify their underlying motivation, determine whether it has a focus beyond the self, and decide whether the action is fulfilling.
