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A Nation Like No Other: Why American Exceptionalism Matters
It’s become fashionable among the liberal elite to downplay, deride, even deny America’s greatness. The political correctness police insist that America is “hated” around the world for being too big, too powerful, too rich, too successful, too loud, too intrusive. And besides, it’s not nice to brag.
They are completely missing the point.
America’s greatness, America’s exceptional greatness, is not based on that fact that we are the most powerful, most prosperous—and most generous—nation on earth. Rather, those things are the result of American Exceptionalism.
To understand American Exceptionalism, as Newt Gingrich passionately argues in A Nation Like No Other , one must understand our unique birth as a nation. American Exceptionalism is found in the simple yet utterly remarkable principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence, “that all men are created equal, that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness.”
Our nation is exceptional, continues Newt, because we—unlike any nation before or since—are united by the belief and the promise that no king, no government, no ruling class has the power to infringe upon the rights of the individual. And when such a government attempts to do so, we will vigorously reject them.
Sadly, many politicians and leaders today have forgotten our sacred commitment to these ideals. Our government has strayed alarmingly far from the scope of limited powers framed by our Founders. Meanwhile, the liberal media seek out, and sometimes create, stories intended to portray America as a bully and a thief. Even our own president seems clueless, assuring us that yes, yes, he believes in American exceptionalism, just like the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism and the British in British exceptionalism.
But American Exceptionalism is not about cheerleading for the home team. It’s about recognizing and honoring the history-making, world-changing ideals our Founding Fathers enshrined to make this a nation of the people, by the people, for the people. And, as Lincoln warned, we must rededicate ourselves to those principles, lest our truly exceptional nation perish from this earth.
They are completely missing the point.
America’s greatness, America’s exceptional greatness, is not based on that fact that we are the most powerful, most prosperous—and most generous—nation on earth. Rather, those things are the result of American Exceptionalism.
To understand American Exceptionalism, as Newt Gingrich passionately argues in A Nation Like No Other , one must understand our unique birth as a nation. American Exceptionalism is found in the simple yet utterly remarkable principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence, “that all men are created equal, that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness.”
Our nation is exceptional, continues Newt, because we—unlike any nation before or since—are united by the belief and the promise that no king, no government, no ruling class has the power to infringe upon the rights of the individual. And when such a government attempts to do so, we will vigorously reject them.
Sadly, many politicians and leaders today have forgotten our sacred commitment to these ideals. Our government has strayed alarmingly far from the scope of limited powers framed by our Founders. Meanwhile, the liberal media seek out, and sometimes create, stories intended to portray America as a bully and a thief. Even our own president seems clueless, assuring us that yes, yes, he believes in American exceptionalism, just like the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism and the British in British exceptionalism.
But American Exceptionalism is not about cheerleading for the home team. It’s about recognizing and honoring the history-making, world-changing ideals our Founding Fathers enshrined to make this a nation of the people, by the people, for the people. And, as Lincoln warned, we must rededicate ourselves to those principles, lest our truly exceptional nation perish from this earth.
264 pages, Hardcover
First published June 13, 2011
20 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Newt Gingrich
114 books548 followersNewt Gingrich is well-known as the architect of the “Contract with America” that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in forty years. After he was elected Speaker, he disrupted the status quo by moving power out of Washington and back to the American people. Under his leadership, Congress passed welfare reform, the first balanced budget in a generation, and the first tax cut in sixteen years. In addition, the Congress restored funding to strengthen defense and intelligence capabilities, an action later lauded by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission.
Today Newt Gingrich is a Fox News contributor. He is a Senior Advisor at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm with more than 6,500 lawyers in 50 countries and offices in more than 125 cities. He advises the firm’s world-class Public Policy and Regulation practice. He is also a Senior Scientist at Gallup.
From May 2011 to May 2012, Newt Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. The campaign was especially notable for its innovative policy agenda, its effort to bring new coalitions into the Republican fold, and for Newt’s debate performances. His $2.50 a gallon energy plan set off a nationwide discussion about the use of America’s energy resources.
But there is a lot more to Newt Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Newt has published twenty-nine books including 14 fiction and nonfiction New York Times best-sellers.
Non-fiction books include his latest, Breakout, in addition to A Nation Like No Other, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, To Save America, Rediscovering God in America, 5 Principles for a Successful Life, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less, Real Change, A Contract with the Earth, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, To Renew America, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Saving Lives & Saving Money, Window of Opportunity, and The Art of Transformation. He is also the author of a series of historical fiction books including, Gettysburg, Grant Comes East, Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant the Final Victory, 1945, Pearl Harbor, Days of Infamy, To Make Men Free, To Try Men’s Souls, Valley Forge, and Victory at Yorktown. These novels are active history studies in the lessons of warfare based on fictional accounts of historical wartime battles and their aftermaths. His latest novel, Treason, is the sequel to Duplicity and is a thriller of Washington intrigue and international terrorism.
Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, Nine Days That Changed The World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, Rediscovering God in America, Rediscovering God in America II: Our Heritage, and We Have the Power.
In his post-Speaker role, Newt has become one of the most highly sought-after public speakers, accepting invitations to speak before prestigious organizations throughout the world. Because of his own unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Newt is able to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him to be not only educational but also inspirational. For more information about Newt’s speaking engagements, please visit the Worldwide Speakers Group.
Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership in the U.S. Congress helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness. His contributions have been so great that the American Diabetes Association awarded him their highest non-medical award and the March of Dimes named him their 1995 Citizen of the Year.
To foster a modern health system that provide
Today Newt Gingrich is a Fox News contributor. He is a Senior Advisor at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm with more than 6,500 lawyers in 50 countries and offices in more than 125 cities. He advises the firm’s world-class Public Policy and Regulation practice. He is also a Senior Scientist at Gallup.
From May 2011 to May 2012, Newt Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. The campaign was especially notable for its innovative policy agenda, its effort to bring new coalitions into the Republican fold, and for Newt’s debate performances. His $2.50 a gallon energy plan set off a nationwide discussion about the use of America’s energy resources.
But there is a lot more to Newt Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Newt has published twenty-nine books including 14 fiction and nonfiction New York Times best-sellers.
Non-fiction books include his latest, Breakout, in addition to A Nation Like No Other, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, To Save America, Rediscovering God in America, 5 Principles for a Successful Life, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less, Real Change, A Contract with the Earth, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, To Renew America, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Saving Lives & Saving Money, Window of Opportunity, and The Art of Transformation. He is also the author of a series of historical fiction books including, Gettysburg, Grant Comes East, Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant the Final Victory, 1945, Pearl Harbor, Days of Infamy, To Make Men Free, To Try Men’s Souls, Valley Forge, and Victory at Yorktown. These novels are active history studies in the lessons of warfare based on fictional accounts of historical wartime battles and their aftermaths. His latest novel, Treason, is the sequel to Duplicity and is a thriller of Washington intrigue and international terrorism.
Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, Nine Days That Changed The World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, Rediscovering God in America, Rediscovering God in America II: Our Heritage, and We Have the Power.
In his post-Speaker role, Newt has become one of the most highly sought-after public speakers, accepting invitations to speak before prestigious organizations throughout the world. Because of his own unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Newt is able to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him to be not only educational but also inspirational. For more information about Newt’s speaking engagements, please visit the Worldwide Speakers Group.
Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership in the U.S. Congress helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness. His contributions have been so great that the American Diabetes Association awarded him their highest non-medical award and the March of Dimes named him their 1995 Citizen of the Year.
To foster a modern health system that provide
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 17, 2025
I agree with the message, but the delivery was not engaging. I appreciate all the direct quotes and anecdotes from American history, but I think that is what made it hard to follow.
August 1, 2018
This is quite simply the best and clearest book on what makes this country exceptional that I have ever read. Gingrich is crystal clear. The book carries a patriotic message, but it isn't about blind patriotism or mindless patriotism. The American ideal is under constant assault, sometime from those who mean well, sometimes from those who don't. It is essential for Americans to understand what we have, what our Founders and subsequent generations fought for and achieved.
Obama said that he believes in American exceptionalism just as he assumes the British believe in British exceptionialism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism. Those who think as he does demonstrate so clearly that they do NOT understand what American exceptionalism means. American exceptionalism isn't simply rooting for the home team, the "We're #1" syndrome. In the 18th century, the US was the ONLY nation founded on the principles of the sovereignty and worth of the individual; that a person has certain rights that are inherent to being human and are "unalienable"; and that the government exists to protect those rights. 230-odd years later, the US Constitution remains the single greatest protector of freedom in the world, even as it has been defaced, diminished, and sometimes ignored by the descendants of those who created it. The Constitution, as written, matters. The American ideal matters. American exceptionalism matters. Please read Newt's book and find out why if you don't know, or be reminded why if you do.
Obama said that he believes in American exceptionalism just as he assumes the British believe in British exceptionialism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism. Those who think as he does demonstrate so clearly that they do NOT understand what American exceptionalism means. American exceptionalism isn't simply rooting for the home team, the "We're #1" syndrome. In the 18th century, the US was the ONLY nation founded on the principles of the sovereignty and worth of the individual; that a person has certain rights that are inherent to being human and are "unalienable"; and that the government exists to protect those rights. 230-odd years later, the US Constitution remains the single greatest protector of freedom in the world, even as it has been defaced, diminished, and sometimes ignored by the descendants of those who created it. The Constitution, as written, matters. The American ideal matters. American exceptionalism matters. Please read Newt's book and find out why if you don't know, or be reminded why if you do.
July 26, 2014
In “A Nation Like No Other” Newt Gingrich gives his views on American Exceptionalism, why America is different from all other countries, where it has strayed from its exceptional path, what it will take to get it back on track and why it is necessary that we do so. He treats the reader to a history lesson about a country built on the idea of freedom country that has fought to defend its ideals and that has voluntarily contributed more to the needy than any land in history. He blasts the Obama Administration for its lack of belief in American Exceptionalism and tells us what we need to do, individually and collectively to reclaim our heritage. He identifies the 2012 elections as a choice between a return to greatness or a continued slide into American mediocrity and increased world-wide danger.
Although the 2012 elections have come and gone and we did not elect Newt President, an unstated but certainly primary goal of the book, it is still an interesting and inspiring read. It reminds me a bit of “Going Rogue” by Sarah Palin (see my review) and Ronald Reagan’s Farewell Address in its unabashed pride in America, and recipe for preserving and improving it. It does us good to read a book like this every once in a while to be reminded, encouraged and energized. Read it, go out and do your part.
Although the 2012 elections have come and gone and we did not elect Newt President, an unstated but certainly primary goal of the book, it is still an interesting and inspiring read. It reminds me a bit of “Going Rogue” by Sarah Palin (see my review) and Ronald Reagan’s Farewell Address in its unabashed pride in America, and recipe for preserving and improving it. It does us good to read a book like this every once in a while to be reminded, encouraged and energized. Read it, go out and do your part.
November 6, 2011
I Love Newt’s vision for American Exceptionalism. I believe that the Ten Steps to Restoring (American) Exceptionalism can be used by any country that wants to move towards prosperity. Dr. Gingrich emphasizes on understanding the History of USA to Empowering our Citizens. He explains his vision through stories and examples. He speaks about philanthropy, volunteering, participating in local communities and teaching children. This is a book to pass along to our children and grand children. From the introduction “…belief in American Exceptionalism leads inevitably to a smaller, more effective and accountable government. The American revolutionaries did not shed their blood for a welfare state nor did they aim to replace rule of a King by a bureaucracy…” This is my guide book for (American) greatness, (American) Prosperity.
March 15, 2012
Since there's a possibility Newt might be our next President I thought it'd be good to understand his views on American politics and issues. Less than 20 pages into the book, though, and I feel like I'm being lectured. I'm set on finishing since I still think it's important, but I seriously hope he finds himself a good speechwriter or else we risk the American pubic being lulled into a coma during his term in office.
Finally decided to give up. I don't feel like being lectured, and since it looks like Newt doesn't stand a chance of winning the nomination, thankfully I don't have to!
Finally decided to give up. I don't feel like being lectured, and since it looks like Newt doesn't stand a chance of winning the nomination, thankfully I don't have to!
February 3, 2017
As a fellow Georgian I really like Newt! Common sense, traditional logic outlining our Founder's intent is represented in this book along with countless examples and a compilation of quotes supporting American exceptionalism make this an excellent read. God bless America!
September 6, 2017
Should be a must read for all Americans. Well done Newt!
November 19, 2022
A standard Newt Gingrich book, pro America, anti Obama, lots of interesting examples from history and modern day, and thoughtful ideas about how to move forward. I mostly listened to the audio book and the one thing that was kind of difficult about it was the narration changes between Newt and Callista Gingrich. Sometimes he would be the main narrator and she would read extended quotes. Other times she would be the main narrator and he would read extended quotes or just one line subtitles within a chapter. The problem was that they would switch off at what seemed like random times. Maybe they would switch off at a chapter break, but that wasn't obvious. So, sometimes I wasn't sure if I was hearing original Gingrich content or a quote from someone else. I couldn't tell just by the narrator.
December 31, 2023
This was quite inspirational and well documented as he made his case for American Exceptionalism... something more than what President Obama was suggesting... that every nation thinks itself exceptional.
Although Newt Gingrich was making some of the same points that Mark Levin was making in some of his books, Gingrich did it with a lot more poise and good cheer, so to speak. He was teaching rather than ranting.
I do have a criticism about the audiobook though. I like Newt Gingrich's voice and had he narrated the entire book I would have been happy. I also would have been happy with Callista Gingrich as narrator for the entire book, but the way they passed off, tag-team style, throughout was a little jarring. Maybe they should have done it, first him on one chapter and her on the next and so forth. I think that would have worked.
I'd love listening to this audiobook again.
Although Newt Gingrich was making some of the same points that Mark Levin was making in some of his books, Gingrich did it with a lot more poise and good cheer, so to speak. He was teaching rather than ranting.
I do have a criticism about the audiobook though. I like Newt Gingrich's voice and had he narrated the entire book I would have been happy. I also would have been happy with Callista Gingrich as narrator for the entire book, but the way they passed off, tag-team style, throughout was a little jarring. Maybe they should have done it, first him on one chapter and her on the next and so forth. I think that would have worked.
I'd love listening to this audiobook again.
March 20, 2019
Read this book for one of my college courses. I thought it provided a wealth of information on the nation’s history and the true meaning of exceptionalism. Exceptionalism does not mean the best or being better than others but it means it is unique, the first of its kind, unprecedented; which the nation’s foundations and principles were found to be exceptional.
September 18, 2019
As a historical audio book this was excellent to listen to and very informative. One I would recommend reading or listening to on audio for everyone.
July 19, 2020
Packdd with historical information and insight behind the founding. Very clearly written.
April 9, 2022
Motivational, inspirational, telling and truthful.
July 4, 2022
You can judge a book by its cover, if said cover has a picture of a politician on it.
August 22, 2011
Gingrich has great insight into what has made America so great. Combining examples from our nation's history with common sense, his view of the downward spiral our great nation is beginning resonnated with me. I agree with what he termed the "Obama Doctrine" of "leading from behind" (which seemed like an oxy-moron to me when Obama first coined it during a press conference regarding the recent hit-&-miss support of Libyan rebels against their tyrannical leader). Gingrich doesn't just "complain" about liberal/progressive policies that he feels move our country in the wrong direction, he outlines 10 ways that average citizens can help move our country back in the right direction once again & take pride in being an exceptional nation of people.
June 23, 2020
This is the worst book I've read this year. I expected no less. Everything that I wanted to say has already been said in most of the 1-star reviews so I won't get into it. All you need to know is that he is a highly misinformed "historian" who likes to do nothing but use his platform to smear a black man (Obama). He has a very skewed view of everything and came off as racist, sexist, misogynistic, ableist, and just out of touch with anyone who isn't a cis white hick. The fact that people like him exist in Congress is terrifying, especially because he seems to think that he's running for King and that America is his kingdom. Truly horrifying.
January 4, 2012
I picked this up at Borders' clearance sale several months ago. A light and entertaining read. Nothing necessarily earth shattering; but interesting enough to keep my attention. I've gotten similar talking points from several other pundits, but I did find some new insights. I'm sure this book was quite strategic, being that Gingrich is running for POTUS. If he stands behind every one of his assertions then he is someone I could get behind. Gingrich is one of the sharpest political minds out there.
August 17, 2011
Gingrich has a knowledge and understanding of history, particularly the Reagan Era, that is second to none and quite useful in light of our country's present circumstances. Probably dry reading for those not into biographical sketches or history, I found it fast paced and enlightening.
January 20, 2012
I enjoyed the book in that it was chock full of American History facts. And the book does illustrate what a great country we live in. However I didn't enjoy the lecturing tone of the author especially on the topic of marriage, for soooo many reasons.
June 11, 2014
Newt Gingrich's view on America's political dynamics is supported in this book by how history turned United States of America as an exceptional country.
The book was written by dwelling on how history shaped the people and the government for centuries.
This is a good all-nighter book!
The book was written by dwelling on how history shaped the people and the government for centuries.
This is a good all-nighter book!
February 18, 2012
If you're into politics and history, this is a great read. Newt may get hounded in the media, but his values and ideals are true to what it really means to be an American. Loved the book!!!
March 16, 2012
This book was an amazing one-sided political diatribe that was completely distasteful.
June 8, 2012
Why can't this guy be our president?
December 11, 2011
About half-way through - most impressive! For all his faults, I wish he were president.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews