education

This book's title has become proverbial, and I am glad for that recognition. You just need to look at the world around you to see the necessity of books like this. We have become moral imbeciles. Some people can't tell the difference between their right had and left hand, speaking poetically.

Many people criticize this book as being too simplistic. That is an odd criticism. Not that this book is wrong, or factually in error. Even the accusation of impracticality would be a substantive point. But being too simplistic? Shakespeare wisely observed that simple truth is oftentimes miscalled simplicity (Sonnet 66). The accusation of being simplistic doesn't even rise to the dignity of a non-issue.

This book is a collection of moral stories and precepts that serve to supplement and buttress peoples moral sense, which is our conscience, or the spark within that tells us to do good. In the Apology, Socrates said that he had this spirit, which guided him. We all have something like this, and truthful books like this help refine this sense of right and wrong. Just look at the fallen towers to see the need for books like this.

Another accusation is that we can't turn back the clock. Well, if the clock is broken, then you are morally obligated to turn back the clock. By the way, are you giving you consent to the current state of things? It seems that we have made complaining a virtue. But it is complaining without corresponding action, which results mere noise pollution.

We have to do something to change things, and Bill Bennett has done his part in compiling this book, which is an easy read. This is a thick book, but each one of the chapters is small. It seems to have been geared towards first and second graders, but anyone can benefit from reading the truth. Truth shines in the eyes of the readers.

which discuss the value of this collection of inspirational, character-building memories from our past. For years I refused to open this book, fearing subjection to dogmatic and pedantic musings from the right (which my advancing age has brought me closer to anyway), however, I have now learned that for years I deprived myself of the opportunity to read a phenomenal gathering of short stories, fables, psalms, poems, biblical passages and insightful reflection, that transcends the narrow constraints of political ideology. This is a fantastic contribution to anyone's personal library and it provides a roadmap to a better way of life. I highly recommend it.

It is this very elixer of truth that all of us must drink. Would it only be possible for all of America to see the truth contained in this brilliant and optimistic book, we would truly shine only brighter. For too long has America's counterculture dragged us down to lower standards, our youth despoiled and undiciplined. Mr. Bennett has performed a national service by this book, and one we should all repay by immediately committing to heart its contents and message. Let us all be more virtuous, day by day, slowly, slowly.