In a world that often seems louder, harsher, and more divided by the day, Pete Wiley invites readers to pause, reflect, and rediscover what it means to be truly civil. With his latest book, Civil Living: Finding Civility In Society, In Our Interactions, and Within Ourselves, Wiley offers a practical roadmap for cultivating respect, empathy, and understanding—starting from within.
Perfect for book clubs, discussion groups, and anyone seeking meaningful connection in challenging times, this book is both timely and deeply human.
About the Book
Is civility dead—or just waiting to be rediscovered? In a world growing more divided, loud, and combative, Civil Living offers a refreshing and practical invitation to reclaim the art of respectful, meaningful connection. From global conflicts to political shouting matches, it’s easy to believe the world is becoming less civil. But real change begins at the individual level.
Drawing on timeless human values and grounded insight, Wiley explores how self-knowledge, inner peace, open-mindedness, and self-love form the foundation of civil behavior—not just in society, but in ourselves. Through reflection and practical guidance, Civil Living shows how personal transformation can ripple outward to foster healthier relationships, stronger communities, and a more compassionate world.
Inside, readers will discover:
- Why self-civility is essential to social civility
- How to engage with others across differences without hostility
- The role of integrity, friendliness, and emotional awareness in a healthy society
- How to respond to negativity without becoming part of it
Whether you’re feeling disheartened by the world or hopeful for change, Civil Living offers a roadmap for living with clarity, purpose, and kindness—both inwardly and outwardly.
Quick Look
- Genre: Nonfiction
- Paperback: 249 pages
- Published: August 12, 2025
- Part of series: Blocks of Life (5 books)
- Where to buy – Amazon
Behind the Book – Q&A with Pete Wiley
Q: What is your book about and what inspired you to write this book?
A: Civil Living is the fourth book in the Blocks of Life Series. The series began when I started recording life lessons and ideas for my son, who was too young to understand at the time. Over the years, it has grown into a larger creative journey—including books, music, video, poetry, and essays—centered on the question: What does it mean to live a meaningful and fulfilling life? Each work is a thread in a wider tapestry exploring purpose, connection, and joy amidst modern complexity.
Q: When did you start writing, and what made you decide to publish this book?
A: I try to live a life of experience and take advantage of my interests and experiences to learn about people and how they behave, interact, and grow. I started writing Blocks of Life in 2011 and in times like these—times of social upheaval and divisiveness—it seemed a perfect time to think about societal interaction. Engagement between people and in society starts within. Civil Living is an exploration of civility from within each of us, how we engage, and how that translates to society.
Q: Which character was the most fun—or most challenging—to write, and why?
A: This book is non-fiction, but the characters are those I know and love, and interact with. Each part of the book is based on my experiences with people—how they live their lives and derive meaning and fulfillment.
Q: What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your book?
A: Civility is possible, but it has to be intentional and it has to start within. Civility starts with self-knowledge and self-love. Only with these can we move forward as a society.
Q: Were there any real-life experiences that influenced your story or characters?
A: All of the ideas, theories, and advice in this book are based on my experiences, and the experiences of others in my life.
Q: What question do you wish readers would ask you about the book? (Answer it too!)
A: Does the book provide easy answers to the question of civility in a divided society? The answer is no. It rather provides a roadmap—a path that we can take to move toward civility—in society, in our engagements with others, and within ourselves.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote or moment from the book you’d like to share?
A: “As human experience has repeatedly demonstrated, a society made up of primarily civilized individuals may be uncivilized… To overcome the negative aspects of human nature, we first must know ourselves. Self-knowledge and self-love are all about civility… Changing negative inner voices into positive ones makes self-civility possible, promising meaningful experiences, extensive interactions, and a fulfilling life. But you have to be intentional.”
Q: What was the biggest challenge in writing or publishing it?
A: I’m a natural writer, but all of the other tasks—editing, formatting, cover design, and marketing—are a major challenge to me. I am learning, but none of these aspects comes naturally, however necessary they are.
Q: What’s next for you as a writer?
A: I also write poetry with the same themes as my books. My next project will be a poetry compilation.
Top Reviews
- Shaan Patel – “Helps you to not lose your cool online… offers doable suggestions without acting like we should all be saints.” ⭐
- Analogica – “Civility is most notable today by its absence… this wonderful book urges us toward a civility revival.” ⭐
- Stasia Nielsen – “A soothing experience… relaxed, conversational style filled with wise observations.” ⭐
- Kelsey – “A meaningful guide to creating more respectful, mindful interactions in daily life.” ⭐
Author Bio
Pete Wiley takes advantage of his varied interests and experiences to learn about people and how they behave, interact, and grow. He applies these insights to creating Blocks of Life books, poetry, videos, music, and a blog, and engaging with his audience. He lives in Maryland with his wife and son.
Connect with Pete:
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/blocks-of-life
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peteblocksoflife/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blocksoflife/
- TikTok: @blocks.of.life
- Author Website: https://blocksoflife.com/books/
Perfect For Readers Who…
- Are looking for practical ways to improve relationships and communication
- Feel disheartened by social or political divisiveness
- Want to explore self-growth and intentional living
- Enjoy reflective, non-fiction works that connect personal growth to societal change
- Are part of book clubs or discussion groups interested in meaningful conversation
Discussion Questions for Book Clubs
- What does “self-civility” mean to you, and how does it influence interactions with others?
- Which practical advice in the book can you start implementing immediately in your own life?
- How can personal growth ripple outward to improve community or societal civility?
- What role do empathy and self-awareness play in responding to negativity or conflict?
- Did reading this book change how you view civility in today’s society? Why or why not?
Final Thoughts
Civil Living challenges readers to start with themselves. Small, intentional acts of self-civility can ripple outward, creating stronger connections, healthier communities, and a more compassionate society.
Pete Wiley encourages readers to pause, reflect, and take intentional steps toward self-civility, empathy, and meaningful connection. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, better relationships, or tools to navigate a divided world, this book offers practical insights grounded in real-life experience.
We love to read and explore a wide range of genres, including contemporary and historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, nonfiction, and memoirs. If you’d like us to review your book, feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to hear from you!