Review of What Makes America Great
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- Latest Review: What Makes America Great by Bob Dowell
Review of What Makes America Great
[Following is a volunteer review of "What Makes America Great" by Bob Dowell.]
The book "What Makes America Great," published in 2019 by Bob Dowell, presents a thought-provoking exploration of American greatness, its historical roots, and its challenges in the modern era. Dowell emphasizes the importance of understanding America's past to shape its future and delves into the foundational principles of the United States.
The iconic phrase "Make America Great Again" has left an indelible mark on American history, symbolizing a potent blend of nostalgia, ambition, controversy, and change. Popularized by Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign, it served as the primary motivation for Dowell to write this book. He was motivated by the incessant 24/7 inflammatory attacks on President Trump, who, in the 2016 presidential election, rode into the White House on the slogan "Make America Great Again." While Trump used it as a central theme for his candidacy, it's worth noting that the slogan has a bipartisan history in American politics. It had been employed by various politicians before Trump, including Ronald Reagan during his 1980 presidential campaign, where it was phrased as "Let's Make America Great Again."
One of the central themes of the book is the role of faith and religious fervor in America's history, a theme that aligns with Dowell's prior works, all of which have predominantly centered on the Bible. The book traces the roots of America's greatness back to the Reformation and the religious revolution led by figures like John Calvin. This period of history set the stage for the Puritans' quest to purify the Church of England and establish a God-centered commonwealth in the New World. The author argues that the Massachusetts Bay Colony, with its educated and wealthy inhabitants driven by religious intensity, played a pivotal role in this pursuit. The concept of America as a "city upon a hill" is introduced, with Dowell contending that this colony represented an ideal for the rest of the nation to follow.
Dowell's thesis revolves around the idea of a "Noble Ideal" deeply rooted in Western civilization, drawing from the cultural influences of Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome. He asserts that this Ideal found its home in America, particularly in Philadelphia, and was eloquently articulated in the Declaration of Independence. This notion of an ongoing journey towards realizing and maturing the Noble Ideal is a central thread throughout the book.
The book also delves into the pursuit of equality, including the struggle for women's rights, as a core component of America's greatness. It highlights key historical moments such as the Seneca Falls Convention and the role of individuals like Elizabeth Cady Stanton in advocating for women's equality.
Dowell emphasizes the importance of time, effort, patience, and faith in God in achieving the noble ideals of America. He cites examples of leaders who made sacrifices for the cause of liberty and the enduring commitment of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The struggles for civil rights in the 19th and 20th centuries are discussed, underscoring the nation's dedication to the principle that all people are created equal and have inalienable rights.
Another aspect explored in the book is the role of initiative, ingenuity, and the pioneer spirit in shaping America's greatness. Dowell contrasts the motivations of different early American colonies and highlights the significance of individual resourcefulness, epitomized by figures like Captain John Smith and Governor William Bradford. The idea of American individualism, as proposed by historian Frederick Jackson Turner, is interwoven into this narrative.
However, the book also raises concerns about the diminishing importance of religious references in American society, as seen in the gradual fading of phrases like "under God" and "in God we trust." Dowell worries that the foundational principles embedded in historical documents are being overlooked, and he invites readers to examine the symbolism on the dollar bill as a reminder of America's founding ideals.
The theme of American exclusiveness and uniqueness is not new in literature; many historians and philosophers have explored this topic, starting with Alexis de Tocqueville, who sought to understand the nature and consequences of democracy in the United States in the 19th century.
Nevertheless, among the positive aspects of the book, I would emphasize:
Emphasis on Historical Foundations: Dowell's focus on comprehending America's past to shape its future is viewed as a strong point in the book. The author provides historical context and perspective to help readers appreciate the nation's development.
Challenge to Reflect and Preserve Core Values: The book is praised for challenging readers to reflect on the past in order to shape a more meaningful future for America. It encourages critical thinking and active engagement with American values.
While "What Makes America Great" has enough positive aspects, it's important to consider potential flaws or criticisms associated with the book:
Overemphasis on Religion: Some readers might find that the book places too much emphasis on religious themes in American history, potentially neglecting other significant factors contributing to America's greatness.
Simplification of Complex Issues: The book in a certain way oversimplifies complex historical and social issues, it might fail to provide readers with a deep understanding of these topics.
Lack of Contemporary Analysis: The book primarily relies on historical analysis without addressing current complexities, which could lead some readers to perceive it as lacking in relevance.
Despite these potential drawbacks, "What Makes America Great" offers a comprehensive exploration of America's history and the factors that have contributed to its greatness. Bob Dowell skillfully combines historical events, religious influences, the pursuit of equality, and the American spirit of initiative to make a compelling case for understanding and preserving the nation's core values. The book challenges readers to reflect on the past to shape a more meaningful future for America. I would recommend reading this book.
******
What Makes America Great
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The book "What Makes America Great," published in 2019 by Bob Dowell, presents a thought-provoking exploration of American greatness, its historical roots, and its challenges in the modern era. Dowell emphasizes the importance of understanding America's past to shape its future and delves into the foundational principles of the United States.
The iconic phrase "Make America Great Again" has left an indelible mark on American history, symbolizing a potent blend of nostalgia, ambition, controversy, and change. Popularized by Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign, it served as the primary motivation for Dowell to write this book. He was motivated by the incessant 24/7 inflammatory attacks on President Trump, who, in the 2016 presidential election, rode into the White House on the slogan "Make America Great Again." While Trump used it as a central theme for his candidacy, it's worth noting that the slogan has a bipartisan history in American politics. It had been employed by various politicians before Trump, including Ronald Reagan during his 1980 presidential campaign, where it was phrased as "Let's Make America Great Again."
One of the central themes of the book is the role of faith and religious fervor in America's history, a theme that aligns with Dowell's prior works, all of which have predominantly centered on the Bible. The book traces the roots of America's greatness back to the Reformation and the religious revolution led by figures like John Calvin. This period of history set the stage for the Puritans' quest to purify the Church of England and establish a God-centered commonwealth in the New World. The author argues that the Massachusetts Bay Colony, with its educated and wealthy inhabitants driven by religious intensity, played a pivotal role in this pursuit. The concept of America as a "city upon a hill" is introduced, with Dowell contending that this colony represented an ideal for the rest of the nation to follow.
Dowell's thesis revolves around the idea of a "Noble Ideal" deeply rooted in Western civilization, drawing from the cultural influences of Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome. He asserts that this Ideal found its home in America, particularly in Philadelphia, and was eloquently articulated in the Declaration of Independence. This notion of an ongoing journey towards realizing and maturing the Noble Ideal is a central thread throughout the book.
The book also delves into the pursuit of equality, including the struggle for women's rights, as a core component of America's greatness. It highlights key historical moments such as the Seneca Falls Convention and the role of individuals like Elizabeth Cady Stanton in advocating for women's equality.
Dowell emphasizes the importance of time, effort, patience, and faith in God in achieving the noble ideals of America. He cites examples of leaders who made sacrifices for the cause of liberty and the enduring commitment of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The struggles for civil rights in the 19th and 20th centuries are discussed, underscoring the nation's dedication to the principle that all people are created equal and have inalienable rights.
Another aspect explored in the book is the role of initiative, ingenuity, and the pioneer spirit in shaping America's greatness. Dowell contrasts the motivations of different early American colonies and highlights the significance of individual resourcefulness, epitomized by figures like Captain John Smith and Governor William Bradford. The idea of American individualism, as proposed by historian Frederick Jackson Turner, is interwoven into this narrative.
However, the book also raises concerns about the diminishing importance of religious references in American society, as seen in the gradual fading of phrases like "under God" and "in God we trust." Dowell worries that the foundational principles embedded in historical documents are being overlooked, and he invites readers to examine the symbolism on the dollar bill as a reminder of America's founding ideals.
The theme of American exclusiveness and uniqueness is not new in literature; many historians and philosophers have explored this topic, starting with Alexis de Tocqueville, who sought to understand the nature and consequences of democracy in the United States in the 19th century.
Nevertheless, among the positive aspects of the book, I would emphasize:
Emphasis on Historical Foundations: Dowell's focus on comprehending America's past to shape its future is viewed as a strong point in the book. The author provides historical context and perspective to help readers appreciate the nation's development.
Challenge to Reflect and Preserve Core Values: The book is praised for challenging readers to reflect on the past in order to shape a more meaningful future for America. It encourages critical thinking and active engagement with American values.
While "What Makes America Great" has enough positive aspects, it's important to consider potential flaws or criticisms associated with the book:
Overemphasis on Religion: Some readers might find that the book places too much emphasis on religious themes in American history, potentially neglecting other significant factors contributing to America's greatness.
Simplification of Complex Issues: The book in a certain way oversimplifies complex historical and social issues, it might fail to provide readers with a deep understanding of these topics.
Lack of Contemporary Analysis: The book primarily relies on historical analysis without addressing current complexities, which could lead some readers to perceive it as lacking in relevance.
Despite these potential drawbacks, "What Makes America Great" offers a comprehensive exploration of America's history and the factors that have contributed to its greatness. Bob Dowell skillfully combines historical events, religious influences, the pursuit of equality, and the American spirit of initiative to make a compelling case for understanding and preserving the nation's core values. The book challenges readers to reflect on the past to shape a more meaningful future for America. I would recommend reading this book.
******
What Makes America Great
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: What Makes America Great by Bob Dowell
