Sunday 28 April 2013

W is for... Wednesday

W is for... Wednesday.

On Wednesday we are going to see a talk given by Dennis Prager. The talk will be based around his newest book, Still The Best Hope, which is about why the world needs American values to triumph. 

Here is a small summary of the book: 
Prager makes the case for the American value system as the most viable program ever devised to produce a good society.
Still the Best Hope deals with three huge themes: The first is perhaps the most persuasive explanation for why Leftism has been and will always be a moral failure, despite its acknowledged appeal to many people of goodwill. The second explains why fundamentalist Islam, despite its historic and growing appeal, cannot make a good society. But Prager holds out hope for an open and tolerant Islam and explains why it will emerge from faithful American Muslims. The third is a singularly persuasive defense and explanation of what Prager calls the "American Trinity": liberty, values rooted in the Creator, and the melting-pot ideal. These values are inscribed on every American coin as "Liberty," "In God We Trust," and "E Pluribus Unum," and they are the reasons for America's greatness. Without them, America will cease to be an exceptional nation, and therefore cease to be America. 

So far all I have read is the introduction. I thought that if I'm going to see him, I should at least try read some of his book, so I have even just a little understanding of what he's talking about.
I have to admit, I am very novice when it comes to the subjects he talks about. Whats more, I'm European, and Mr P isn't so common over there as he is here in America. It is a lot of new ideas for me, and therefore a lot of new learning to be done.
I have listened to some of Mr P's radio programs, and read one other of his books Happiness is a Serious Problem, and so I have a little understanding of his views and opinions, but just a little. He is one of those people who has a library of information, knowledge and experience stored away, and I don't know how he does it.
I am going to try and read all of the book, as I think it will be interesting and worthwhile to try gain an understanding in this subject area. I think it is a subject we should all at least open our eyes to, because I feel it touches everyone in one way or another. We all make up society, so we all contribute in one way or another.
I often like to hide behind an easy fiction book. It is relaxing, it's not taxing to read, and I can be whisked away into the world of the story. Non fiction, however, is nothing like that. It takes effort and motivation. We have to want to learn about the subject, and understand it better. It's not a relaxing read. Even so, I'm going to try.
Even though I have read some of his work, and listened to some of his shows, I still don't know where I stand on some of his topics. Some people have strong beliefs for either side, and others dither in the middle. I'm a ditherer in the middle.
Suppose I should get reading.

3 comments:

  1. Did you enjoy Prager? I'm a Believer--In God I trust. No time to be a ditherer--gotta take a stand!
    A to Z is ending soon. Hope you had fun doing it!

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  2. Reading and listening to speakers are all ways to help broaden your mind and soul,enjoy.

    Lucy from Lucy's Reality

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  3. Interesting post! Thanks!

    #atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com

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