The Quality of Life

by James A. Michener

This exploration of the problems racking our society examines our cities, education, race conflict, youth, the population crises and conservation as well as television and the role of the free press.

Genres: Nonfiction

169 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

James Albert Michener is best known for his sweeping multi-generation historical fiction sagas, usually focusing on and titled after a particular geographical region. His first novel, Tales of the South Pacific , which inspired the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific, won the 1948 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

Toward the end of his life, he created the Journey Prize, awarded annually for the year's best short story published by an emerging Canadian writer; founded an MFA program now, named the Michener Center for Writers, at the University of Texas at Austin; and made substantial contributions to the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, best known for its permanent collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings and a room containing Michener's own typewriter, books, and various memorabilia.

Michener's entry in Who's Who in America says he was born on Feb. 3, 1907. But he said in his 1992 memoirs that the circumstances of his birth remained cloudy and he did not know just when he was born or who his parents were.

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this is an odd little number that I found at a library book sale. It's a longish essay by Michener published in 1970 on the state of the USA at that moment and what Michener sees as necessary for our advancement in the future. It talks about the Vietnam war protests. Michener was apparently against the war but not 'for' violent protests. This part is dated. However, the bulk of the essay is about the need for education and the costs and benefits of the US approach to education. I agreed with him for the most part here. He also talked about how useful television could be for the education of our citizens, and while he makes good points about the future that I agree with, we can see from our position now that TV was not used for most of these things. And, of course, he failed to see any hint of our current internet. Not surprising. All in all, I rather enjoyed it. I wouldn't consider it life-changing.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the language is a bit dated (as well as which war is in progress), but it is uncanny how much of this message is still relevant today.

[TK421 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It is interesting to note that the things Michener speaks of in this slim book from 1970 are still so prevalent today. In a way, it is disheartening to see that we, as a nation and as a society, have not really combated many of the pressing issues. While a bit dated, this collection of essays is a fascinating look at today through a lens of the past.

[dejah_thoris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mistakenly shelved this book with my religion and philosophy books. Yes, it discusses the quality of life and how to attain it, but Michener is writing at the collective level, not the individual. My copy also has my great-grandfather's bookplate (will excise) but my father's library stamp, so I'm not quite sure whose pencil underlining is throughout the book. (One good reason to mark up your books is to give future readers the opportunity to appreciate your thoughts. I adore some of my ancestors' heavily marked copies.)

Much of Michener's critique of the 1960s is still applicable. Post-Baby-Boomers may also be interested in reading contemporary writing on the draft and its impact.

A lovely quote for librarians: "The library of the future may very well be twofold: an underground repository for precious old books published prior to 1980 which no one sees or handles, plus a crisp reading disk to which chips from any library in the world are delivered electronically as you dial for them."

[John East · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published in 1970, and in some ways is out of date, like calling for the end to the Vietnam War. However, it has many good points and ideas that seem to be as relevant today as they were 50 years ago. Some things haven't changed, such as college student protests, and that civil rights have not come as far as he had hoped. The chapter on The Population Cancer hasn't changed either. If anything, the rate of increase in the world population is growing faster than was predicted at the time. His position that this is not to the long-term benefit of society or civilization is bearing out as it relates to resources and the environment.

[Jay Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this slim book hidden among bulkier neighbors, but rarely have I found one so thoughtful and important. Written to commemorate our country's 200th anniversary, I found it powerful both but what it said about the American character, and by the challenges that Michener foresaw then, and which are so verdantly now playing out in our own time. I fully recommend it to anyone interested in understanding our own time.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciate anyone who tackles difficult, longstanding issues and puts one's name behind it. Written from a USA interested perspective, but really, there is usefulness and value in placing an emphasis on starting where one lives, whether your house, your community, or your nation. Besides, Michener wrote about the world, just glimpse at his fictionalized history. In any case, worth a couple hours of your cogitating.

[Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting and predictive - -would have been a great read in 1970

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written over 50 years ago, it is eerie how much seems to have been fulfilled and how many more issues are surfacing today.

[Mary Gizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little classic