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The Idea of America
In their new book, visionaries Pierre Lemieux and William Bonner invite readers to reexamine long accepted notions of what America is and what it means to be an American. Lemieux and Bonner carefully chose each of the written works included in the striking anthology to spark imagination, thought, and debate.
Each of the selections--some well-known classics and others the thoughts of less conventional thinkers--builds on the next, engaging readers in an exploration of the concepts that are fundamental to our view of who we are. No stone is left unturned as subjects ranging from individual liberty to religion and self reliance are covered through the words of some of the most creative thinkers ever to put pen to paper.
This arresting collection contains one of the most unique mixes of works ever to be compiled. From the documents that gave birth to America--the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights--to the insightful reflections from the always delightful H.L. Mencken on the American character and Ralph Waldo Emerson's classic words on individual and religious self reliance. The Idea of America is a true celebration of the spirit that is America.
238 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
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October 25, 2015
This book is worth reading just to see the difference of what the founding fathers of the US had in their mind when they build America and what 'Murica has become today. Netherless, it helps you to understand why the US is a unique country in the world and how it become what is today.
"A Frenchman has to speak French. A German has to speak the language of the Vaterland. But an American couls speak anything. And often does." - True stroy 200 years ago, so why do Americans complain now about the increased procent of Spanish-speaking people in their country?
"If Americans weren't united by blood, history, religion, or language - what else is left? Only an idea: that you could come to America and be whatever you wanted to be."
"French people almost copied the American Revolution; they took the theory of the Revolution, not tge Government - the cutting, not the sewing." What revolution is bringing now the US? The true idea of revolution is taught absolutely wrong to American citizens - kids learn the facts, not the ideas that stood behind their revolution.
And as Will McAvoy from The Newsroom opening series says: "America USED to be the greatest country in the world. Used."
"A Frenchman has to speak French. A German has to speak the language of the Vaterland. But an American couls speak anything. And often does." - True stroy 200 years ago, so why do Americans complain now about the increased procent of Spanish-speaking people in their country?
"If Americans weren't united by blood, history, religion, or language - what else is left? Only an idea: that you could come to America and be whatever you wanted to be."
"French people almost copied the American Revolution; they took the theory of the Revolution, not tge Government - the cutting, not the sewing." What revolution is bringing now the US? The true idea of revolution is taught absolutely wrong to American citizens - kids learn the facts, not the ideas that stood behind their revolution.
And as Will McAvoy from The Newsroom opening series says: "America USED to be the greatest country in the world. Used."
Displaying 1 of 1 review