Andrew Young: 'Trying to Make Sense of the World'

“Mutual frustration led us to this book,” said Andrew Young. “I am trying to make sense of the world I live in.”

The former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and mayor of Atlanta and his godson, Kabir Sehgal, were at the Club on June 16 to talk about and sign their new book, “Walk in My Shoes: Conversations Between a Civil Rights Legend and His Godson on the Journey Ahead.”

Young and Sehgal have been talking regularly for over 20 years. Young said that his own children would not listen to him, but Sehgal would. Young then realized Sehgal's father knew as much as he did, but Sehgal would not listen to him. Young concluded that we need to find ways to introduce our children to people who would not be overly protective. He said the relationship with his godson “brings out the best and worst in me.”

Sehgal, author of “Jazzocracy: Jazz, Democracy, and the Creation of a New American Mythology,” said the co-authored book is about counsel and advice. He said the conversations covered a range of topics, and they often disagreed.

The authors agreed that they learned from each other.

For instance, Young said he understands rappers and it is better that they rap about their anger than use real violence. He said civilization is passed on by parents, and in families with no father to provide restraining wisdom, the children learn the law of the jungle, and it the jungle that their lyrics reflect. Sehgal objects to the “brutal” lyrics.

Both authors said they think economics should be put before politics. They feel that markets can bring peace.