Summary of Rules for Radicals

Rules for Radicals, written by Saul Alinsky, is a highly influential handbook of activism, outlining practical principles for achieving social and political change. The book outlines tactics for organizing and inspiring citizens to fight for the interests of their community, strategies for confronting authority, and advice on forming coalitions of like-minded activists. Alinsky gives countless examples of how these tactics have been used to great success, and motivates the reader to become a leader or inspire leaders within their own communities. Alinsky also reflects on the necessity for ethical stands in anything one does, suggests focusing on the immediate problem, and cautions against being complacent and relying too heavily on any specific tactic.