Making A Difference: Reflecting on the Past, Thinking of the Future

by James L. Hecht

The world is changing. It is our responsibility as citizens to understand these changes and react accordingly.

Hecht is a brilliant analyst of public policy issues and offers innovative ideas on improving national security, decreasing oil consumption, enhancing health care, and improving government.

Hecht is a graduate of Cornell University and earned a PhD in chemical engineering from Yale. He then spent over thirty-one years with DuPont. After he retired, he held academic appointments at the University of Delaware, Temple University, and the University of Denver. His articles on public affairs have been in over twenty publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post. The differences he has made include decreasing racial discrimination throughout the United States and saving thousands of lives.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2016

About the author

Dr. James L. Hecht is a graduate of Cornell University, and he received a PhD in chemical engineering from Yale University. After spending thirty-one years with DuPont, Hecht retired to academic appointments with the University of Delaware, Temple University, and the University of Denver. He has written for over twenty publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post. Hecht authored his first book in 1970, Because It Is Right: Integration in Housing, based on his experience as president of a fair housing group. The book was widely used by fair housing groups throughout the country and led to an important Supreme Court decision.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are extraordinary heroes in our midst that walk among us, and we may not be aware that it is our neighbor, our friend, or co-worker. The author of this book is one such person. And, this memoir is quite fascinating. Upon the 100th anniversary year of national parks, it is interesting to read about his quest to make those parks safer after his son was boiled to death in a fall before his family's eyes. Rather than becoming bitter, the Hecht family chose to honor those who make the parks safer each year to memorialize their loved one. A man who doesn't seem to have a lot of strong religious convictions, but married a woman who does, spent a great deal of his life fighting for equality for minorities above the Mason-Dixon line. His tireless efforts led to fair housing laws that affect millions of people. And, he was instrumental in building an infrastructure in third world countries to help the less fortunate. At nearly 90 years old, the author has a surprising appetite for delving into the issues that will confront the scientists and political figures in the coming decades or century. Engaging read!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world is changing. It is our responsibility as citizens to understand these changes and react accordingly.

The author is an analyst of public policy issues and offers innovative ideas on improving national security, decreasing oil consumption, enhancing health care and improving government.

Hecht's book is broken down into 15 different chapters, with many different topics including national security, Russia, Nepal, energy, Israel and Palestine and Better Government. The author mixes in personal stories into the chapters, which I understand, but isn't always effective if you are an analyst. Some of it makes since, such as talking about his time in the military when discussing national security. My assumption is that author's try to do this so the reader feels more connected to the topics. Hecht had some interesting perspectives on some of these issues, though many of his perspectives on some of the issues differed from my perspective. Overall, it was an interesting read and Hecht presented some interesting ideas about how to improve some of the topics that I imagine all American's are concerned about.

Thank you to the publisher for sending my a copy of the book for review.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The incredibly inspiring, moving true story of a man who devoted his life to having a positive impact on the world around him--and succeeded. From fighting for housing equality during the Civil Rights movement, to launching a national campaign to improve the safety in national parks after his son tragically died at Yellowstone in 1970 (a campaign which is still ongoing today thanks to the Andrew Hecht Memorial Public Safety Award), working at DuPont, and saving lives at a hospital in Nepal, Jim Hecht has truly made a difference--and this book will inspire others to make a difference to! What a fantastic, interesting read!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it's hard to connect the dots between public policy and personal reality. This book carefully meshes together the way the past and future have been and will be dictated by the way we think and the policies that go into place. This book is a fascinating read, especially if you have ever felt confused about how to make a change or how macro concepts effect your life. I highly, highly recommend it.

[Jenna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so touching a powerful, I am so glad James Hecht decided to document his inspiring life with this beautiful memoir! After losing his son in a tragic accident at Yellowstone, James and his wife dedicated their lives to making national parks safer for others, along with a variety of other important issues. I am truly inspired!

[Marissa DeCuir · Rating 5 out of 5]

James L. Hecht's life work has had a real, tangible and positive impact on this world, and it is incredibly inspiring to read his story. May we all be moved by his powerful words and actions to do what we each can to make the world a better place.

[Leslie Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique story of one man who didn't set out to change the world or make it a better place-- but did.