Things That Matter

By Charles Krauthammer

Things That Matter - Charles Krauthammer
  • Release Date: 2013-10-22
  • Genre: Political Science
Score: 4
4
From 996 Ratings

Description

From America’s preeminent columnist, named by the Financial Times the most influential commentator in the nation, a must-have collection of Charles Krauthammer’s essential, timeless writings.
 
A brilliant stylist known for an uncompromising honesty that challenged conventional wisdom at every turn, Krauthammer dazzled readers for decades with his keen insight into politics and government. His weekly column was a must-read in Washington and across the country. Don’t miss the best of Krauthammer’s intelligence, erudition and wit collected in one volume.
 
Readers will find here not only the country’s leading conservative thinker offering a pas­sionate defense of limited government, but also a highly independent mind whose views—on feminism, evolution and the death penalty, for example—defy ideological convention. Things That Matter also features several of Krautham­mer’s major path-breaking essays—on bioeth­ics, on Jewish destiny and on America’s role as the world’s superpower—that have pro­foundly influenced the nation’s thoughts and policies. And finally, the collection presents a trove of always penetrating, often bemused re­flections on everything from border collies to Halley’s Comet, from Woody Allen to Win­ston Churchill, from the punishing pleasures of speed chess to the elegance of the perfectly thrown outfield assist.
 
With a special, highly autobiographical in­troduction in which Krauthammer reflects on the events that shaped his career and political philosophy, this indispensible chronicle takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the fashions and follies, the tragedies and triumphs, of the last three decades of American life.

Reviews

  • Brilliance!

    5
    By tfarrell22
    My only weak criticism is that I had to frequently stop and look up the meaning of many words he utilized in his writings... a compliment and testament to his vast and knowledgable use of the English language, but from which I ultimately benefited by expanding my own personal vocabulary. A well written compilation of opinion pieces, but backed up by historical context, reasoning and facts. I miss Charles’ wisdom and wit already... Eternal rest to a truly brilliant mind and man gone too soon.
  • Great Book

    5
    By DGH 1
    One of the best books I have read in years. A pleasure to read, thoughtful, well written and humorous. Delightful to read someone who has thought so deeply about the major issues of our day. Give it to all the liberals on your gift list to show them what true conservative principles are.
  • Things that matter in the world of irrelevant things.

    1
    By olomuchogordo
    A pampered princely persons priorities are so much removed from the rest of us who have to punch a time card. Those who work for a living make up a larger share of this nation than those removed from the rest of us. Why in the %#¥£+~> are we giving this "author" any deference? We've been following pieces of fecal matter of his ilk since 1981 can we finally start ignoring people like him and finally think for our selves for once.
  • "Things that Matter" - yep, they do

    5
    By AJBrig
    Worth your time. This is a wonderful read and very thought provoking, that is, for those willing to open their minds and see the world the way it is, rather than the way they would like it to be. It is a collection of essays and short articles both from years past and current events. It wasn't until I got halfway through it that it dawned on me that this book offers, in my opinion, substantiation for a quote made long ago, "Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it". A data point for "Cause and effect". AJ
  • Things that matter

    5
    By Night reader alone
    The book was highly insightful I would recommend it strongly to other readers. Portions of the book for like a trip down memory lane of current events. I look forward to his next piece.
  • A MUST

    5
    By Reporter (PLEASE FIX THIS)
    Great read.
  • Things That Matter

    2
    By Rhythmatist_1
    I tried, I tried real hard to dig in on this book. I love Charles opinions and ability to see the big picture on important domestic and world issues. This book just seemed long winded to me on things that really didn't grab me. To each his own opinion, some may love this book, I didn't .
  • Great read

    4
    By Ghorheed
    Some of the articles are very enlightening, a few I didn't finish reading. Some of ones he wrote about Jews were, well ....
  • Charles, please run for president!

    5
    By infamousdeeds
    "Things that Matter" begins with some light, "remember America in the good old days" accounts that first and effectively humanizes an author who is best known for his dry genius and and no-nonsense public demeanor. Shortly after his warmth is established (or uncovered) readers are introduced to the real crux of the nation's issues that are setting us adrift; not merely internally, but internationally as well. My assumption is that if you are reading the book, you know what they are already; however, my interaction with more people, both friends and strangers, are starting to correct me otherwise., unfortunately. Without any explicit or overt smugness, Charles Krauthhammer makes his arguments, point after logical point, without ever insulting the nation or her pitiful voters. He includes brief outlines on why our foreign strategies (or lack thereof) have failed or will fail. He also purveys the successes of our past. What's more, he shows where two schools of thought (globalism & realism) might actually work together most effectively. He analyzes history and brings relevant comparisons forward for further thought and provides some fine insights to consider, particularly about our current reputation in the international community (aren't we all just exceptional together) and how we want - need to be perceived (the true uni power we need to be). I found myself nodding in agreement and thinking, finally, logic!! I would like to have seen him finish the book with more recent analyses on more recent problems, such as ISIS, Israel/Gaza and his thoughts on Obama's diversionary tactics (climate change...? Huh?!) And I would die a happy woman if he would run for President in 2016. Between now and then, I would buy a copy of this book to throw at Obama's head. After all, he'll need something to read as he flies in Airforce 1 to his next golf game....
  • Things That Matter

    5
    By Ron Kennedy
    Cleaner logical incisive geopolitical and social analysis. A great read. Krauthammer for president!