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Memoirs of a Happy Failure

Written by: Alice von Hildebrand, John Henry Crosby
Narrated by: Winsome Brown
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Publisher's Summary

Alice von Hildebrand is a household name to millions who know her from her countless appearances on EWTN, her many important books, and her voluminous articles and essays.

But little known is the story of her life, notably the 37 years she spent at Hunter College in New York City.

There, despite unceasing opposition that might have defeated even the strongest of souls, she endured with grace and devotion, leaving a mark on a generation of students through her defense of truth through persuasion, wit, and love. By showing her students how truth fulfills the deepest longings of the human heart, she helped to liberate countless students from the oppressive relativism of the day, enabling many of them to find their way to God.

Now, for the first time, discover Alice von Hildebrand’s story told memorably in her own words, including:

  • Her thrilling escape from Europe that was nearly halted by a Nazi ship
  • Her early days in America and her dedication to education and cultivating wisdom
  • Her marriage to the great philosopher Dietrich von Hildebrand
  • Her victories and defeats at Hunter where she was surrounded by a culture of relativism
  • And much more...

Memoirs of a Happy Failure is a fascinating glimpse - drawn from the caverns of memory - into the life of one of contemporary Catholicism’s most compelling minds. At once bold and vulnerable, it is the story of courage, faith, and the power of one person’s witness to transform the world.

©2014 Alice von Hildebrand (P)2022 Saint Benedict Press

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A Rare, True, Professor…

This book is a rare jewel in the area of educational memoirs. But it’s more than that. It reminds its listeners that the loss of wisdom (along with truth, and fairness) in higher education goes back farther than we’ve imagined.

It was a very satisfying listen, and it caused me, as I approached its ending, to scurry over to Amazon and purchase a philosophy primer, hoping for one by her.

I settled on her husband’s masterpiece, “The Art of Living” which she had translated and also contributed to.

If you’re a fan of Jordan Peterson (or still needing your copernican awakening in order to become so) you won’t be disappointed here.

Grieved, yes, over the millions and millions of students whom higher education has long been failing (other profs have written on and exposed this subject, which is not this author’s drum) but also enthralled with Alice’s story, exceptionally well told. And though it covers incredibly sad territory (for what she experienced holds true not only in the Philosophy department, but sadly, in nearly every other educational department, too) the open minded listener will come away with a smile on their face.

There’s a conquering, a win here, that is absolutely . . .
noble. And breath-taking in the Very Best of means and ways.

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