Living, Leading, and the American Dream

By Francesca Gardner and John W. Gardner

Book Overview

""Liberty and duty, freedom and responsibility. That's the deal."" John W. Gardner's life was dedicated to revitalizing the American Dream, a dream that must be recreated by each generation of caring citizens as they reshape it to meet the unrolling future. Now more than ever, citizens must step up and take action to create the world in which we want to live. "Living, Leading, and the American Dream "is an inspiration-- and a call to action. Beginning with an exploration of Gardner's life and values in his own words, this stirring and engaging collection shares Gardner's vision on personal renewal, community, leadership, and civic engagement. The essays and speeches collected in this transformational volume are founded on Gardner's belief that we as a people want freedom-- freedom at home as well as a world where freedom is possible. They are founded on his deep belief in the dignity and worth of the individual and his unshakable resolve to protect and preserve that dignity. They are founded on his belief that men and women should be empowered to achieve the best that is in them, and that we are the declared enemies of all conditions, such as disease, ignorance, or poverty, that stunt the individual and prevent such fulfillment. And they are founded on the fact that achieving these goals is difficult and requires the commitment of all citizens. The essays in "Living, Leading, and the American Dream" move from individual to community to society, offering Gardner's vision on the role of the individual in attaining the greater good. Leaders of innovative organizations, civic leaders, and concerned citizens will find guidance and inspiration in Gardner's unique vision of every citizen's responsibility and capacity to make a difference.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787966789
• ISBN13: 9780787966782
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

What patriotism is really about

I had heard of John Gardner but had not read any of his work. This book is one of the most inspiring I have ever read. Gardner talks about what it really means to be an American, and what we all need to do if we are going to have a country we can be proud of.

For all those that care about democracy, this is for you.

In this time of political fear and war mongering, it is great to be reminded that dissent is not un-American and in fact it is your patriotic duty to stand up for the ideas and beliefs you hold true. And Gardner was true to his word. He stepped down from the Johnston administration to protest the war in Vietnam and went on to found Common Cause. I'd like to see a politician do that today.What I found most relevant is his theme that if you want a working democracy you have to work for it. He constantly is reminding us that people need to be involved and engaged in the political process if democracy is to survive. Too many people today have been scared out of the process and too many others accept blind allegiance as patriotism.When founding of Common Cause, he wrote "The impulses to lie, cheat, steal and defraud will never die. The swindlers and charlatans and well-dressed crooks who prey on the citizen by manipulating the political process will always be with us." Sadly his words have proved to be all too true.For those who need to be inspired that there is still hope for a real and true American democracy, this book is for you.