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Stonewall Jackson's Book of Maxims
A thoughtful look at the maxims Stonewall Jackson collected as a cadet at West Point. Each maxim is explained and considered in terms of how it may have affected his actions at various times.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1853
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About the author
Thomas Jackson
370 books4 followersThomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson was one of the most prominent Confederate generals during the American Civil War.
After attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, Jackson served in the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848.
Jackson took a teaching position at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), in Lexington, Virginia. He became Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and Instructor of Artillery.
Achieved his nickname during the first battle of Manassas (Bull Run) July 21, 1861.
Thereafter achieved distinction in the Peninsula Campaign, Second Bull Run and Fredericksburg before being wounded at Chancellorsville and dying of pneumonia 8 days later.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
After attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, Jackson served in the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848.
Jackson took a teaching position at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), in Lexington, Virginia. He became Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy and Instructor of Artillery.
Achieved his nickname during the first battle of Manassas (Bull Run) July 21, 1861.
Thereafter achieved distinction in the Peninsula Campaign, Second Bull Run and Fredericksburg before being wounded at Chancellorsville and dying of pneumonia 8 days later.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 2, 2021
"'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' was a household adage in nineteenth-century America. It may have originated in one of Aristotle's thoughts…" (p36).
I hope it's clear to everyone that the Golden Rule did not originate in Aristotle's thought. I wanted to start by making that clear.
So apparently General Stonewall Jackson once wrote down some cliches. This is not in itself a damning or embarrassing act: Cliches are only bad if you're a poet! Cliches may help you get through life, may give you good advice in difficult times. If there was not an element of truth in them, they would not be cliches ("which is itself a cliche" –Mike Leigh). I could see why Jackson's notebook of the cliches he collected would be of interest to historians, and furthermore they often provide good advice. "Avoid triumphing over an antagonist." "Sacrifice your life rather than your word."
In this volume, though, these cliches are parodically treated as holy writ, to be examined from every side by all the apparatus of hermeneutic theory. Editor (and erstwhile Jackson biographer) James Robinson explains ways that Stonewall might have applied the various cliches to his life (I guess a reasonable thing for a biographer to do); looks for the possible origins and sources of the cliches (in a scattershot fashion, which leads to absurdities such as attributing Matthew 7:12 to Aristotle, above); and looks for parallel assertions from the great poets and essayists (which Robinson pretty much admits he just gleaned from a copy of Bartlett's). The attention paid to these bland, common-sense assertions is so out of proportion to the merits of the text that the end result is absurd.
It's possible the book really is a very dry parody. The non-sequitur quotations from Emerson and Rousseau; the full page praising Jackson's "chastity"; the inexplicable misattribution of the single most famous piece of advice in the Western Canon (above)—these are all pretty funny, and exactly what I might expect from a put-on joke book about Jackson and his maxims. Also, the hagiographic praise for Stonewall Jackson, "a role model for any age" (p91, but also passim, I assure you) is absurdly over-the-top. I'm willing to believe that Jackson was honest, brave, and competent as he struggled to ensure that humans would continue to be owned as property.
I am aware that my self-righteous Union sympathies are showing. Many people I admire from the past—Alexander the Great, Cromwell, Macaulay—disagreed with both me and the "modern world" in general on key issues. They are all bad role models as well as being good role models, and I shouldn't need someone, while eulogizing Genghis Khan's vigor and skill, to keep reminding me, "also he did a lot of bad things." It's charming that Robinson thinks so highly of this general, even if he fought for an evil cause.
But I can't help but suspect that this book is actually designed to be purchased and owned an easy way to signal a demographic, a demographic not sympathetic to my Union sympathies. "Evil cause," "did a lot of bad things," and "bad role model as well" are not phrases the book supports attributing to Jackson. The book is downright nostalgic! "Writers of every generation since [Jackson's death] have asserted that had he lived, the Confederate States of America might have triumphed" (p9) it claims, with little regard for the actual likelihood of the assertion, but with noticeably dewy eyes. Readers are supposed to interpret that as "we might have triumphed," aren't they?
I don't mean to be too hard on Jackson, whose loyalty to his state (and not his country, which is weird but a timepiece, I am aware) is what brought him into the war, or on Robinson, who produced a weird book but may have done it sincerely and with love for his biographical subject. I just can't get over how weird this book is. This book is weird. Jackson's maxims so-called would make more sense embroidered on a throw pillow than analyzed in a book. And a throw pillow is a better signal, because your couch is more obvious than your bookshelf.
I hope it's clear to everyone that the Golden Rule did not originate in Aristotle's thought. I wanted to start by making that clear.
So apparently General Stonewall Jackson once wrote down some cliches. This is not in itself a damning or embarrassing act: Cliches are only bad if you're a poet! Cliches may help you get through life, may give you good advice in difficult times. If there was not an element of truth in them, they would not be cliches ("which is itself a cliche" –Mike Leigh). I could see why Jackson's notebook of the cliches he collected would be of interest to historians, and furthermore they often provide good advice. "Avoid triumphing over an antagonist." "Sacrifice your life rather than your word."
In this volume, though, these cliches are parodically treated as holy writ, to be examined from every side by all the apparatus of hermeneutic theory. Editor (and erstwhile Jackson biographer) James Robinson explains ways that Stonewall might have applied the various cliches to his life (I guess a reasonable thing for a biographer to do); looks for the possible origins and sources of the cliches (in a scattershot fashion, which leads to absurdities such as attributing Matthew 7:12 to Aristotle, above); and looks for parallel assertions from the great poets and essayists (which Robinson pretty much admits he just gleaned from a copy of Bartlett's). The attention paid to these bland, common-sense assertions is so out of proportion to the merits of the text that the end result is absurd.
It's possible the book really is a very dry parody. The non-sequitur quotations from Emerson and Rousseau; the full page praising Jackson's "chastity"; the inexplicable misattribution of the single most famous piece of advice in the Western Canon (above)—these are all pretty funny, and exactly what I might expect from a put-on joke book about Jackson and his maxims. Also, the hagiographic praise for Stonewall Jackson, "a role model for any age" (p91, but also passim, I assure you) is absurdly over-the-top. I'm willing to believe that Jackson was honest, brave, and competent as he struggled to ensure that humans would continue to be owned as property.
I am aware that my self-righteous Union sympathies are showing. Many people I admire from the past—Alexander the Great, Cromwell, Macaulay—disagreed with both me and the "modern world" in general on key issues. They are all bad role models as well as being good role models, and I shouldn't need someone, while eulogizing Genghis Khan's vigor and skill, to keep reminding me, "also he did a lot of bad things." It's charming that Robinson thinks so highly of this general, even if he fought for an evil cause.
But I can't help but suspect that this book is actually designed to be purchased and owned an easy way to signal a demographic, a demographic not sympathetic to my Union sympathies. "Evil cause," "did a lot of bad things," and "bad role model as well" are not phrases the book supports attributing to Jackson. The book is downright nostalgic! "Writers of every generation since [Jackson's death] have asserted that had he lived, the Confederate States of America might have triumphed" (p9) it claims, with little regard for the actual likelihood of the assertion, but with noticeably dewy eyes. Readers are supposed to interpret that as "we might have triumphed," aren't they?
I don't mean to be too hard on Jackson, whose loyalty to his state (and not his country, which is weird but a timepiece, I am aware) is what brought him into the war, or on Robinson, who produced a weird book but may have done it sincerely and with love for his biographical subject. I just can't get over how weird this book is. This book is weird. Jackson's maxims so-called would make more sense embroidered on a throw pillow than analyzed in a book. And a throw pillow is a better signal, because your couch is more obvious than your bookshelf.
January 23, 2019
Thomas Jackson - an iron resolve - a man of personal discipline - a "stonewall" in battle. A good little book that gives further insight into the man the South could not afford to lose.
September 9, 2022
I found these maxims extremely inspiring, and they are consistently referred to in my day to day life now. The main categories under which the maxims are placed, according to Jackson, are Choice of Friends, Rules of Conversation, Guides for Good Behavior, Motives to Action, Politeness and Good Breeding, and Objects to Be Affected by Ellie's Death.
My personal favorite maxim falls under the Guides for Good Behavior. It states: "Disregard public opinion when it interfears with your duty." And yes, Jackson misspelled "interfears!" It is my favorite not only because of the misspell but because of the truth it holds.
It does not contain any military strategies or maxims, so if you are searching for some of Jackson's military wisdom, this is not what you want! However, if you want to get to know the man and the principles that he valued and held himself to, these maxims perfectly demonstrate just that. I love it!
My personal favorite maxim falls under the Guides for Good Behavior. It states: "Disregard public opinion when it interfears with your duty." And yes, Jackson misspelled "interfears!" It is my favorite not only because of the misspell but because of the truth it holds.
It does not contain any military strategies or maxims, so if you are searching for some of Jackson's military wisdom, this is not what you want! However, if you want to get to know the man and the principles that he valued and held himself to, these maxims perfectly demonstrate just that. I love it!
November 12, 2019
I've been living in Virginia for a little over two years now, and the Manassas Battlefield is relatively close to my house. I've seen the statue of Stonewall there a few times, and have visited his home and grave in Lexington. I say this to emphasize that what I thought I knew about Thomas Jackson prior to living here is being replaced by a more nuanced view.
This book provides the reader with a look into the things that were important to Jackson through his book of maxims. I also enjoyed the commentary provided by Robertson that gave some context to the maxims (possible sources of motivations, first-hand accounts of how Jackson adhered to them) and found this book helpful in getting to know more about this historical figure.
For anyone who hasn't been to the Stonewall house, I highly recommend it. The guides there are very knowledgeable and will give you a different perspective on the life of a very important military mind.
This book provides the reader with a look into the things that were important to Jackson through his book of maxims. I also enjoyed the commentary provided by Robertson that gave some context to the maxims (possible sources of motivations, first-hand accounts of how Jackson adhered to them) and found this book helpful in getting to know more about this historical figure.
For anyone who hasn't been to the Stonewall house, I highly recommend it. The guides there are very knowledgeable and will give you a different perspective on the life of a very important military mind.
April 5, 2020
It's strange to read a book on good behavior from an owner of slaves and a man who fought for his state (and in his belief, his God) above the nation or the cause of ending slavery. It seems Jackson saw slavery as part of God's plan - something I disagree with. Many of his maxims are good although not really unique. However, as they are phrased and set in the 19th century, it is an interesting exercise to try to apply them to modern times.
The dichotomy of a man who claims his greatest goals in life as to love God and serve Him, who was tirelessly employed in self-improvement, and who fiercely emphasized character, honesty, and decency, yet owned slaves and fought against their freedom is troubling.
As a Christian, it forces me to stop and search my heart for what ungodly, indecent, and unmerciful activity I may be participating in or condoning.
The dichotomy of a man who claims his greatest goals in life as to love God and serve Him, who was tirelessly employed in self-improvement, and who fiercely emphasized character, honesty, and decency, yet owned slaves and fought against their freedom is troubling.
As a Christian, it forces me to stop and search my heart for what ungodly, indecent, and unmerciful activity I may be participating in or condoning.
June 5, 2019
I loved reading this book. I became a fan of Stonewall Jackson's a few years ago. I really liked the brief snippet of a biography at the beginning and the explanation of how his maxims were evident in his life. There are definitely parts of his life I can relate with. He seems like he was such a good person. I look forward to reading his biography.
June 11, 2020
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson is one of my favorite people to read about during the Civil War. This book is a small way to get to know him personally.
September 29, 2024
I got more from this book than I thought I would. I am not religious but most of the maxims are good ways to live a life but I liked viewing them through a nineteenth century lens.
August 20, 2008
This was a loan from a friend. I was excited to read it because of the author and I was hoping to find some interesting references to his TTPs in battle and the way he lived his life. However, it is instead chock full of 19th century tips on how to be a gentleman. I have nothing against manners, but its super boring and doesn't really apply to today's culture. He may be a cultural icon and a military genius but he was a bore....boo-yah.
June 29, 2007
Stonewall cribbed tons of it from Benjamin Franklin (not sure the editor was aware of that -- at least he doesn't mention it). I'm sure Franklin didn't think he was being particularly original and everyone has cribbed from him since.
The is no new self-help advice; there are only new self-help
books. Maybe only new self-help book covers.
The is no new self-help advice; there are only new self-help
books. Maybe only new self-help book covers.
July 22, 2016
Disappointing. I had wanted something that would help me understand better what I thought I had heard about Jackson's faith. But this didn't get at that. And what was there was not interesting or useful.
August 24, 2014
I'd recommend this book for anyone and everyone, not just Stonewall fans, Civil War buffs, or men. It's an incredible peek into the personal moral/manners guide for one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen. A must-read.
December 22, 2014
I really enjoyed Jackson's Maxims. He had a very disciplined life and it shows. More people should have such values and dedication to always achieving self perfection.
June 25, 2015
Readers who apply the maxims Jackson lived by will be challenged in light of their own character in comparison.
February 7, 2017
quick, and easy to read. helpful, simple, unpretentious. I would recommend this to teenagers of both sexes.
February 17, 2010
An interesting glimpse at the man and what was important to him.
December 20, 2011
An interesting part of Jackson and the influences on his life.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews