"That's why I wrote this book: to show how these people can imbue us with hope. I read somewhere that when a person takes part in community action, his health improves. Something happens to him or to her biologically. It's like a tonic"

Studs Terkel composed this book to show how individuals can bring intend to others. He recommendations a study that suggests that when a person takes part in community action, their health improves. This is likely due to the positive results of social interaction and the sensation of achievement that comes with helping others. Terkel thinks that this sensation is like a tonic, offering a sense of health and wellbeing and fulfillment. He hopes that by highlighting the positive results of neighborhood action, more people will be motivated to get involved and profit.