Some real meat - and a bit of gristle

In the current climate of hyper-partisanship we are in dire need of sages who can “rise above it”, ignore irrelevant political baggage, and carefully evaluate issues on the basis of their inherent merits. George Will has the intelligence, training, experience, and literary skills to be that kind of thought leader. Indeed, he wittily skewers the misapprehensions and pretensions of wingnuts at both ends of the “political spectrum” (a term that is becoming less and less useful as the issues become more and more complex).

I mostly enjoyed this book, but also found myself calling “BS” a number of times: usually relating to his over-commitment to populist political identity categories. For example, he uses the word “progressive” in association with intellectual positions that I (as someone who believes that, since we have clearly not reached the status of “perfect society”, should always be seeking sensible ways to “progress”) would denounce as sternly as he does. The reality is that most of us sapiens are intellectually capable of understanding a well-reasoned argument - and are also emotionally capable of changing our minds - as long as we haven’t become ideologically blinded by attachment (or assignment) to some kind of group identity. So, wouldn't it be more socially responsible to try and move past the divisive political labeling that tends to fuel the identity politics he rightly decries? Surely, by keeping the focus on the substance of the issues, we will stand a better chance of finding common ground and working together toward solutions.

Indeed, Mr. Will himself seems to have fallen victim to an in-group blind-spot, in that he utterly (willfully?) misses the point on climate change science. Hint: If you’re focusing on the resilience of the planet (which will keep on spinning whether we’re here or not - and quite possibly with different species) - rather than whether we are modifying the ecosystem that supports us, at a dangerous rate, then it’s time to go back to school.

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Great with limitations

A great writer whose erudition and depth of thought is reflected in each piece is hampered slightly by the fact it is a collection of articles. As the writings are grouped in themes many articles have a recounting of repeated statements or facts which are needed if articles are read months or years apart, but impact the fluidity when read together at one time. Overall excellent work from a writer who I do not share all ideological perspectives, but respect him nonetheless.

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A book to make you think

Wonderful. Poignant insight that doesn't stop engaging the reader. A must read or a must 'hear'!

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