Soul on Fire: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Psychology of Nonviolence

Author/Contributor(s):	Ghaemi, Nassir
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Date:	05/21/2026
Binding:	Paperback
Condition:	NEW

Martin Luther King Jr. was not only a visionary leader in the struggle against racism and injustice, but also a complex individual who grappled with clinical depression and exhibited manic personality traits. Drawing on expert interpretations, Soul on Fire reveals how these psychological states may have deepened his capacity for leadership and moral clarity. The book offers a compelling exploration of the psychology of nonviolence, framing it as a politics of radical empathy. By tracing King's psychological journey throughout his life and career, readers gain a richer understanding of the foundations behind his commitment to nonviolent social change.