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The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For
A timely collection of speeches by David McCullough, the most honored historian in the United States—winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among many others—that reminds us of fundamental American principles.
“Insightful and inspirational, The American Spirit summons a vexed and divided nation to remember—and cherish—our unifying ideas and ideals” ( Richmond Times-Dispatch ). Over the course of his distinguished career, McCullough has spoken before Congress, the White House, colleges and universities, historical societies, and other esteemed institutions. Now, at a time of self-reflection in America following the bitter 2016 election campaign that has left the country divided, McCullough has collected some of his most important speeches in a brief volume that celebrates the important principles and characteristics that are particularly American.
“ The American Spirit is as inspirational as it is brilliant, as simple as it is sophisticated” ( Buffalo News ). McCullough reminds us of the core American values that define us, regardless of which region we live in, which political party we identify with, or our ethnic background. This is a book about America for all Americans that reminds us who we are and helps to guide us as we find our way forward.
“Insightful and inspirational, The American Spirit summons a vexed and divided nation to remember—and cherish—our unifying ideas and ideals” ( Richmond Times-Dispatch ). Over the course of his distinguished career, McCullough has spoken before Congress, the White House, colleges and universities, historical societies, and other esteemed institutions. Now, at a time of self-reflection in America following the bitter 2016 election campaign that has left the country divided, McCullough has collected some of his most important speeches in a brief volume that celebrates the important principles and characteristics that are particularly American.
“ The American Spirit is as inspirational as it is brilliant, as simple as it is sophisticated” ( Buffalo News ). McCullough reminds us of the core American values that define us, regardless of which region we live in, which political party we identify with, or our ethnic background. This is a book about America for all Americans that reminds us who we are and helps to guide us as we find our way forward.
192 pages, Unknown Binding
First published April 18, 2017
About the author
David McCullough
97 books10.2k followersDavid McCullough was a Yale-educated, two-time recipient of both the Pulitzer Prize (Truman; John Adams) and the National Book Award (The Path Between the Seas; Mornings on Horseback). His many other highly-acclaimed works of historical non-fiction include The Greater Journey, 1776, Brave Companions, The Great Bridge, The Wright Brothers, and The Johnstown Flood. He was honored with the National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, the National Humanities Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in addition to many other awards and honors. Mr. McCullough lived in Boston, Mass.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,042 reviews
August 6, 2017
Thank you, David McCullough, for writing this book. I appreciated the inspiration and optimism when the state of the world seems especially bleak.
The American Spirit is a wonderful collection of speeches McCullough has given over the years. If you aren't familiar with his work, McCullough is an American historian who has written some excellent books, including John Adams, Truman, 1776 and The Wright Brothers. In an interview with Time magazine, McCullough said he decided to publish this book in part as a response to Donald Trump, although DT's name doesn't appear anywhere in it. But our precarious political situation is alluded to in the book's Introduction:
The speeches here include several college addresses, remarks given to Congress, and even a speech from a naturalization ceremony. Each one includes fascinating stories from history and some advice for life, and McCullough often encourages his audiences to read more:
Here's another speech with an inspiring call to read more, especially if it's history:
I listened to this book on audio, which I highly recommend because McCullough has a fantastic reading voice. (I also listened to him read Truman, which was a delight.) My only quibble is that McCullough sometimes repeats the same stories, which is understandable because this is a collection of speeches, and naturally he's going to return to some of the same themes when he regularly addresses college students. This book is short enough that I read it in one sitting, so the recurrence was noticeable. But I liked this book so much that I'll happily forgive the repetition.
If you are new to McCullough, this book would be a nice introduction because he shares good stories from several of his previous works, including anecdotes about Harry Truman, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. I thoroughly enjoyed The American Spirit and am grateful for the dose of optimism.
And about the difficult times we're in, McCullough will remind us that times have always been difficult. Nostalgia may fool us that things used to be easier and better, but don't be tricked. There have always been wars and political squabbles and economic insecurity and a thousand other problems. Instead, focus on doing your own good work, and on the good work of others. And when you're feeling bleak and need a reminder, read a history book.
The American Spirit is a wonderful collection of speeches McCullough has given over the years. If you aren't familiar with his work, McCullough is an American historian who has written some excellent books, including John Adams, Truman, 1776 and The Wright Brothers. In an interview with Time magazine, McCullough said he decided to publish this book in part as a response to Donald Trump, although DT's name doesn't appear anywhere in it. But our precarious political situation is alluded to in the book's Introduction:
Yes, we have much to be seriously concerned about, much that needs to be corrected, improved, or dispensed with. But the vitality and creative energy, the fundamental decency, the tolerance and insistence on truth, and the good-heartedness of the American people are still there plainly.
Many a time I have gone off on a speaking date feeling a bit down about the state of things and returned with my outlook greatly restored, having seen, again and again, long-standing American values still firmly in place, good people involved in joint efforts to accomplish changes for the better, the American spirit still at work.
The speeches here include several college addresses, remarks given to Congress, and even a speech from a naturalization ceremony. Each one includes fascinating stories from history and some advice for life, and McCullough often encourages his audiences to read more:
Read books. Try to understand the reason why things happen, why they are as they are. If you see only the surface phenomena, then the world becomes extremely confusing, ever more unsettling. But if the reasons are understood there's a kind of simplicity that emerges.
Sometime, somewhere along the line, memorize a poem. Sometime, somewhere along the line, go out in a field and paint a picture, for your own pleasure. Sometime, somewhere along the line, buy your father a good bottle of New York state wine, write your mother a letter. And sometime, somewhere along the line, do something for your country.
Here's another speech with an inspiring call to read more, especially if it's history:
We are all part of a larger stream of events, past, present, and future. We are all the beneficiaries of those who went before us — who built the cathedrals, who braved the unknown, who gave of their time and service, and who kept faith in the possibilities of the mind and the human spirit ... A sense of history is an antidote to self-pity and self-importance, of which there is much too much in our time. To a large degree, history is a lesson in proportions ...
So on you go. If your experience is anything like mine, the most important books in your life you have still to read. And read you will. Read for pleasure. Read to enlarge your lives. Read history, read biography, learn from the lives of others. Read Marcus Aurelius and Yeats. Read Cervantes and soon; don't wait until you're past fifty as I did. Read Emerson and Willa Cather, Flannery O'Connor and Langston Hughes.
The world needs you. There is large work to be done, good work, and you can make a difference. Whatever your life work, take it seriously and enjoy it.
I listened to this book on audio, which I highly recommend because McCullough has a fantastic reading voice. (I also listened to him read Truman, which was a delight.) My only quibble is that McCullough sometimes repeats the same stories, which is understandable because this is a collection of speeches, and naturally he's going to return to some of the same themes when he regularly addresses college students. This book is short enough that I read it in one sitting, so the recurrence was noticeable. But I liked this book so much that I'll happily forgive the repetition.
If you are new to McCullough, this book would be a nice introduction because he shares good stories from several of his previous works, including anecdotes about Harry Truman, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. I thoroughly enjoyed The American Spirit and am grateful for the dose of optimism.
And about the difficult times we're in, McCullough will remind us that times have always been difficult. Nostalgia may fool us that things used to be easier and better, but don't be tricked. There have always been wars and political squabbles and economic insecurity and a thousand other problems. Instead, focus on doing your own good work, and on the good work of others. And when you're feeling bleak and need a reminder, read a history book.
February 12, 2019
“Read history. By all means, read history.”
“The American Spirit” is a collection of speeches given by historian David McCullough, beginning in 1989 and ending in 2016. Like all such collections, it has its hits and some lesser moments. I will not call any of them misses, as I found value in all of them.
Some highlights of the collection include “Which Way Forward”, a commencement speech McCullough gave at Union College in 1994. If only the advice he gave that generation, (my generation) was followed. His encouragements to read, have a moral backbone, be generous, etc. are not groundbreaking, until a generation practices them. Then they change the world.
“The Animating Spirit”, a speech he gave about Founding Father Dr. Benjamin Rush serves to increase one’s admiration of America’s founding generation. What extraordinary humans they were, and McCullough correctly celebrates them. In moments like these McCullough is doing what he does best, and doing it well.
In “What’s Essential is Invisible” McCullough writes a thoughtful and insightful overview of presidential power and then follows it up with examples and historical tidbits about those who have held the office.
The speech “Knowing Who We Are” should be taught in every American school. In this 2005 speech, McCullough gives us the reason for the ignorant state of many US college graduates that we find to be the case nowadays. In addition, this speech makes clear why the letters of Abigail Adams should be part of every American Civics course.
Unfortunately, the final speech in this collection, “A Bridge like No Other” is rather weak. McCullough takes some subtle cheap political shots in it, which is why I think the piece fell flat for me.
One of my pet peeves is the arrogance of the current generations when they regard those who came before them. McCullough writes, “We’ve got to teach history and nurture history and encourage history because it’s an antidote to the hubris of the present-the idea that everything we have and everything we do and everything we think is the ultimate, the best.” When I read things like that, I am happy, and all I can say is YES YES YES!
For this reason alone “The American Spirit” is a worthy edition to your library.
“The American Spirit” is a collection of speeches given by historian David McCullough, beginning in 1989 and ending in 2016. Like all such collections, it has its hits and some lesser moments. I will not call any of them misses, as I found value in all of them.
Some highlights of the collection include “Which Way Forward”, a commencement speech McCullough gave at Union College in 1994. If only the advice he gave that generation, (my generation) was followed. His encouragements to read, have a moral backbone, be generous, etc. are not groundbreaking, until a generation practices them. Then they change the world.
“The Animating Spirit”, a speech he gave about Founding Father Dr. Benjamin Rush serves to increase one’s admiration of America’s founding generation. What extraordinary humans they were, and McCullough correctly celebrates them. In moments like these McCullough is doing what he does best, and doing it well.
In “What’s Essential is Invisible” McCullough writes a thoughtful and insightful overview of presidential power and then follows it up with examples and historical tidbits about those who have held the office.
The speech “Knowing Who We Are” should be taught in every American school. In this 2005 speech, McCullough gives us the reason for the ignorant state of many US college graduates that we find to be the case nowadays. In addition, this speech makes clear why the letters of Abigail Adams should be part of every American Civics course.
Unfortunately, the final speech in this collection, “A Bridge like No Other” is rather weak. McCullough takes some subtle cheap political shots in it, which is why I think the piece fell flat for me.
One of my pet peeves is the arrogance of the current generations when they regard those who came before them. McCullough writes, “We’ve got to teach history and nurture history and encourage history because it’s an antidote to the hubris of the present-the idea that everything we have and everything we do and everything we think is the ultimate, the best.” When I read things like that, I am happy, and all I can say is YES YES YES!
For this reason alone “The American Spirit” is a worthy edition to your library.
July 12, 2018
”Can it be that it was all so simple then
Or has time rewritten every line
And if we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me
Would we?
Could we?”
--The Way We Were, Barbara Streisand, Songwriters: Alan Bergman / Marilyn Bergman / Marvin Hamlisch
“Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.”
-- George Washington
A collection of some of David McCullough’s speeches, given at graduations, events, citizenship ceremonies over the years. By their nature, these are individually not overly long, and easily read, about America and what it means to be an American, and the lessons and legacies of our ancestors through history.
”History, I like to think, is a larger way of looking at life. It is a source of strength, of inspiration. It is about who we are and what we stand for and is essential to our understanding of what our own role should be in our time. History, as can’t be said too often, is human. It is about people, and they speak to us across the years.”
”Yes, we have much to be seriously concerned about, much that needs to be corrected, improved, or dispensed with. But the vitality and creative energy, the fundamental decency, the tolerance and insistence on truth, and the good heartedness of the American people are there still plainly.”
From the Introduction on, McCullough shares his thoughts and feelings about these days we are in, and how easy it can be to feel a bit down about the ways things are, but also that in looking at our collective past as a guideline for our future, we may examine what to keep and enhance and what to abolish for the sake of all. We are, after all, a country built on a foundation of diversity, and that fact should be embraced for what it offers us both now and for the future, from the young to the old, the dreamers to the farmers to the teachers and influencers, writers, musicians and dancers, spiritual leaders and political leaders and those protesting injustices.
In his address to the University of Pittsburgh in 1994, he speaks of a program that has been talked about repeatedly, but remains at a standstill, and why understanding its history is crucial to finding the solution.
”The core of such a program, I suggest, should be history, for the specific and realistic reason that all problems have histories and the wisest route to a successful solution to nearly any problem begins with understanding its history.”
He quotes from a letter written to John Quincy Adams by his mother, Abigail, when he was an eleven-year-old boy as he embarked on a journey during winter, across the Atlantic, in the middle of a war.
”These are the times in which a genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life or the repose of a pacific station that great characters are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues. When a mind is raised and animated by scenes that engage the heart, then those qualities which would otherwise lay dormant wake into life and form the character of the hero and the statesman.”
McCullough immerses the reader in a view of our country, our world, our future built on valor, wisdom, morals, perspective, hope, and compassion. His ability to bring history to life for all seems to fall into a category of a blessing for those readers, for his inspiration, enthusiasm, and optimism for our future is both unmistakable and contagious.
Not quite three years ago, I read McCullough’s ‘The Wright Brothers’ and loved his ability to keep me engaged in historical non-fiction. I was every bit as engaged while reading ”The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For,” and it seemed like it just might be the perfect book to read around the Fourth of July, or any other time, for that matter.
Recommended
Or has time rewritten every line
And if we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me
Would we?
Could we?”
--The Way We Were, Barbara Streisand, Songwriters: Alan Bergman / Marilyn Bergman / Marvin Hamlisch
“Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.”
-- George Washington
A collection of some of David McCullough’s speeches, given at graduations, events, citizenship ceremonies over the years. By their nature, these are individually not overly long, and easily read, about America and what it means to be an American, and the lessons and legacies of our ancestors through history.
”History, I like to think, is a larger way of looking at life. It is a source of strength, of inspiration. It is about who we are and what we stand for and is essential to our understanding of what our own role should be in our time. History, as can’t be said too often, is human. It is about people, and they speak to us across the years.”
”Yes, we have much to be seriously concerned about, much that needs to be corrected, improved, or dispensed with. But the vitality and creative energy, the fundamental decency, the tolerance and insistence on truth, and the good heartedness of the American people are there still plainly.”
From the Introduction on, McCullough shares his thoughts and feelings about these days we are in, and how easy it can be to feel a bit down about the ways things are, but also that in looking at our collective past as a guideline for our future, we may examine what to keep and enhance and what to abolish for the sake of all. We are, after all, a country built on a foundation of diversity, and that fact should be embraced for what it offers us both now and for the future, from the young to the old, the dreamers to the farmers to the teachers and influencers, writers, musicians and dancers, spiritual leaders and political leaders and those protesting injustices.
In his address to the University of Pittsburgh in 1994, he speaks of a program that has been talked about repeatedly, but remains at a standstill, and why understanding its history is crucial to finding the solution.
”The core of such a program, I suggest, should be history, for the specific and realistic reason that all problems have histories and the wisest route to a successful solution to nearly any problem begins with understanding its history.”
He quotes from a letter written to John Quincy Adams by his mother, Abigail, when he was an eleven-year-old boy as he embarked on a journey during winter, across the Atlantic, in the middle of a war.
”These are the times in which a genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life or the repose of a pacific station that great characters are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues. When a mind is raised and animated by scenes that engage the heart, then those qualities which would otherwise lay dormant wake into life and form the character of the hero and the statesman.”
McCullough immerses the reader in a view of our country, our world, our future built on valor, wisdom, morals, perspective, hope, and compassion. His ability to bring history to life for all seems to fall into a category of a blessing for those readers, for his inspiration, enthusiasm, and optimism for our future is both unmistakable and contagious.
Not quite three years ago, I read McCullough’s ‘The Wright Brothers’ and loved his ability to keep me engaged in historical non-fiction. I was every bit as engaged while reading ”The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For,” and it seemed like it just might be the perfect book to read around the Fourth of July, or any other time, for that matter.
Recommended
April 22, 2017
Fantastic, of course. The best way to read this book is by listening to the audio version. McCullough has the most amazing voice!
November 19, 2020
I should say, right off the bat, that I like David McCullough. I enjoy his mannered prose, his creaky and ponderous voice, and the sorts of grand accomplishments he writes about. This is why I chose to listen to this little book in the wake of our elections—as I figured that, if anyone could, McCullough would be able to re-ignite that old spark of patriotism. Alas, I found myself unmoved, most likely because this book is composed of commencement speeches, a genre not well-known for profundity.
But I also wanted to return to McCullough because, to my mind, he represents a tradition of American non-partisanship that seems extremely remote at this moment; and I wanted to experience it once again.
McCullough is scrupulously apolitical. Indeed, this book—a highly indirect rebuke to Donald Trump—is the closest McCullough has come to an explicit ideological statement. McCullough achieves his non-partisan, all-American tone by speaking of virtues that everyone admires—determination, kindness, curiosity—and the use of those virtues to build things that everyone likes—bridges, airplanes, constitutions. Just a few years ago, achieving this blissful patriotic glow was not all that difficult. But now, this rhetoric does not go down so easy.
Consider this little passage—a collection of clichés that would have been right at home in any traditional politician’s speech:
Much of this passage now sticks uncomfortably in the throat, specifically the “tolerance and insistence on truth” that supposedly characterize the American people. There does not seem to be much of either these days. And, in any case, the whole spirit of this passage seems too complacently optimistic to match the country’s bitter and cynical mood.
It would be sad to entirely lose this non-partisan patriotism that McCullough so expertly evokes. But I do wonder if, after all, it would not be so bad if we gave up a bit of this bland confidence in our own national virtues.
But I also wanted to return to McCullough because, to my mind, he represents a tradition of American non-partisanship that seems extremely remote at this moment; and I wanted to experience it once again.
McCullough is scrupulously apolitical. Indeed, this book—a highly indirect rebuke to Donald Trump—is the closest McCullough has come to an explicit ideological statement. McCullough achieves his non-partisan, all-American tone by speaking of virtues that everyone admires—determination, kindness, curiosity—and the use of those virtues to build things that everyone likes—bridges, airplanes, constitutions. Just a few years ago, achieving this blissful patriotic glow was not all that difficult. But now, this rhetoric does not go down so easy.
Consider this little passage—a collection of clichés that would have been right at home in any traditional politician’s speech:
Yes, we have much to be concerned about, much that needs to be corrected, improved, or dispensed with. But the vitality and creative energy, the fundamental decency, the tolerance and insistence on truth, and the good-heartedness of the American people are still there plainly.
Much of this passage now sticks uncomfortably in the throat, specifically the “tolerance and insistence on truth” that supposedly characterize the American people. There does not seem to be much of either these days. And, in any case, the whole spirit of this passage seems too complacently optimistic to match the country’s bitter and cynical mood.
It would be sad to entirely lose this non-partisan patriotism that McCullough so expertly evokes. But I do wonder if, after all, it would not be so bad if we gave up a bit of this bland confidence in our own national virtues.
June 8, 2017
My daughter recently sent me a clipping from the Memorial Day weekend Wall Street Journal opinion page. It was a piece by Peggy Noonan titled "Why History Will Repay Your Love", and it was her review of historian David McCullough's new book, "The American Spirit". This short volume is a collection of some of his speeches from the last couple of decades, most of them graduation addresses.
McCullough, now in his eighties, is a Pulitzer Prize winning writer, an American treasure who is much honored and loved. Any of the books he has written are well worth the read, with this one being no exception. I listened to the Audible version, which he recorded, and hearing the author read his own work was an additional treat.
His love for history, and for his country, are evident and contagious, and he has a special gift of bringing history to life. Definitely recommended!
McCullough, now in his eighties, is a Pulitzer Prize winning writer, an American treasure who is much honored and loved. Any of the books he has written are well worth the read, with this one being no exception. I listened to the Audible version, which he recorded, and hearing the author read his own work was an additional treat.
His love for history, and for his country, are evident and contagious, and he has a special gift of bringing history to life. Definitely recommended!
April 19, 2017
If you've never read anything by David McCullough, start with this appetizer. Otherwise, this is dessert. Enjoy!
August 21, 2017
I was disappointed by this book because I was hoping for more analysis and insight. However my disappointment is really my own fault because I didn't pay enough attention to its description. This book is a collection of the author's speeches presented at graduations, citizenship ceremonies, event celebrations, etc. These speeches, by their nature, are short and shallow. They also devote a lot of time to flattering the audience and praising local historical figures.
October 12, 2017
I didn't realize what "The American Spirit" was about really when I picked it up but David McCullough is one of my very favorite historians and he is definitely on my automatic read list. This book is filled with speeches that the author has given everywhere from in front of Congress to commencement speeches in front of college students. This book is filled with inspiration and stories of parts of American history that it was good to be reminded of as well as stories that I was unfamiliar with.
This book is good for both those are familiar with McCullough's work and those that are not. Those that are familiar with McCullough will appreciate his special brand of storytelling that his fans are familiar with. His ability to link stories together into lessons for today and the future is fantastic. Those not familiar with all of these things are in for a treat as they experience him for the first time.
The speeches in this book are really good and touch a lot of different subjects. This book is good balm for these recent times when things seem so off kilter, strange, and strained in our country. I enjoyed this book!
This book is good for both those are familiar with McCullough's work and those that are not. Those that are familiar with McCullough will appreciate his special brand of storytelling that his fans are familiar with. His ability to link stories together into lessons for today and the future is fantastic. Those not familiar with all of these things are in for a treat as they experience him for the first time.
The speeches in this book are really good and touch a lot of different subjects. This book is good balm for these recent times when things seem so off kilter, strange, and strained in our country. I enjoyed this book!
April 21, 2017
I devoured this little book by America's distinguished historian. He shares speeches he made between 1989 and 2016. So much wit and wisdom. Everybody ought to read this.
October 30, 2017
Read. Read history.
These two simple instructions inform this selection of McCullough's past speeches, and they convey quite a grand message - albeit an unassuming one.
Speech collections are not at all my thing unless they're the words of people who have already passed. David McCullough is still thankfully alive and continuing to work, so while his words have great impact, they have likely only begun to shape our thoughts.
Many of these speeches were given at colleges, while the rest happened on the occasion of important historical anniversaries in the United States.
The speaker's interests are clear, and one of the most fun aspects of reading these speeches in a volume was seeing the influences of his other works. John and Abigail Adams are frequently referenced, their words used as examples and lessons. Similarly, McCullough spends a good deal of time in one speech talking about the Americans who spent time in Paris and who fill the pages of his book, The Greater Journey.
While there's a chance these speeches may come off as random, they most certainly are not. McCullough uses pieces of the past to help us understand the present and to hopefully inspire the future.
Through his words, it is endlessly clear that reading - and reading history, especially - is the best possible way to head into whatever lies ahead of us.
These two simple instructions inform this selection of McCullough's past speeches, and they convey quite a grand message - albeit an unassuming one.
Speech collections are not at all my thing unless they're the words of people who have already passed. David McCullough is still thankfully alive and continuing to work, so while his words have great impact, they have likely only begun to shape our thoughts.
Many of these speeches were given at colleges, while the rest happened on the occasion of important historical anniversaries in the United States.
The speaker's interests are clear, and one of the most fun aspects of reading these speeches in a volume was seeing the influences of his other works. John and Abigail Adams are frequently referenced, their words used as examples and lessons. Similarly, McCullough spends a good deal of time in one speech talking about the Americans who spent time in Paris and who fill the pages of his book, The Greater Journey.
While there's a chance these speeches may come off as random, they most certainly are not. McCullough uses pieces of the past to help us understand the present and to hopefully inspire the future.
Through his words, it is endlessly clear that reading - and reading history, especially - is the best possible way to head into whatever lies ahead of us.
December 27, 2021
Terrific, Outstanding and spectacular for me and my personal worldview.
Strongly patriotic speeches from one of America’s premier historians.
Very valuable for those who struggle with the future.
Highly recommend.
Strongly patriotic speeches from one of America’s premier historians.
Very valuable for those who struggle with the future.
Highly recommend.
January 3, 2022
3.5 stars
January 17, 2024
To be honest, a lot of this was kind of boring. Most of it is commencement speeches, and there’s a reason I bring a book to graduation ceremonies. When Mr. McCullough told stories about real people (often John and Abigail Adams), it was really good. Talking about the history of a building or a campus was less so. Still, I appreciated Mr. McCullough’s optimism and impartiality.
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May 26, 2017
In this dark and divided time in our nation's history, it's good to be reminded of the values that we share. I enjoyed reading these transcriptions of speeches that McCullough has delivered over the past 30 years. None of them is exactly alike; he really took the time to develop a speech that played on the history of the place where he was speaking and the specifics of the occasion. But it still felt a little repetitive to read them all at once. I think I'd have enjoyed the book more if I'd read one per month or something. But it was a library book, so....
Like my reviews? Check out my blog at www.kathrynbashaar.com/blog
Like my reviews? Check out my blog at www.kathrynbashaar.com/blog
May 8, 2020
The great love that David McCullough has for public education, reading and history shines through all of these speeches. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author. If I had been reading a hard copy of the book, I would have been reaching for my highlighter constantly. This book gave me some hope for better times.
July 13, 2018
I loved this book! Each speech given by David McCullough is like a mini history lesson with great stories and insights. I felt like it was the perfect read for the patriotic month of July. He said: “An astute observer of old wrote that history is philosophy taught with examples. Harry Truman liked to say that the only new thing in the world is the history you don’t know. From history we learn that sooner is not necessarily better than later...that what we don’t know can often hurt us and badly...and that there is no such thing as a self-made man or woman. A sense of history is an antidote to self-pity and self-importance, of which there is too much in our time. To a large degree, history is a lesson in proportions.”
June 1, 2017
I loved this book.I have read and enjoyed some history books,but David's book makes me want to devour them.Humour,motivation...I like people a lot more since reading this.It's not a political book which is so refreshing in this climate.Have I mentioned that I boycotted CNN,MSNBC,and Fox network as a New Year's Resolution?Mr.McCullough repeats a lot of things from speech to speech which I think is a good thing.I retained so much of this book.Go ahead,ask me anything about John,John Quincy,or Abigail Adams.I was especially impressed by the speech about Lafayette and France.So,off to the bookstore!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2017
5 plus. David McCullough's compilation of some of his speeches, many given at college commencements, so moved me that I gave a copy to everyone at Mother's Day brunch. "Mom! Why are you giving everyone presents on Mother's Day?!"
I simply wanted to spread the palpable optimism and obvious faith in the American Spirit (and his aptly titled book) that can be found on almost every page of McCullough's beautiful written book. And who thought history could be so interesting?
I simply wanted to spread the palpable optimism and obvious faith in the American Spirit (and his aptly titled book) that can be found on almost every page of McCullough's beautiful written book. And who thought history could be so interesting?
March 28, 2019
Fantastic! If you enjoy David McCullough this book is a gem. Beautifully designed, with photo images, this volume contains some of McCullough's best speeches. I read this on the plane trip back from Washington DC and to me it summed up our experience beautifully. So many nuggets of American wisdom and sentiment. A couple of the speeches ("Knowing Who We Are" and "The Love of Learning") is worth the price of the book. This one is going on the night stand.
June 2, 2017
Excellent collection of speeches given to graduates, houses of Congress, and other institutions and groups.
This slim volume has pictures in some chapters, and each chapter can be read alone. My knowledge of American history and related topics has certainly been updated by reading what McCullough has chosen to share in this book.
I recommend it to all readers.
This slim volume has pictures in some chapters, and each chapter can be read alone. My knowledge of American history and related topics has certainly been updated by reading what McCullough has chosen to share in this book.
I recommend it to all readers.
September 21, 2019
An amazing collection of speeches from one of the foremost experts on American history - David McCullough. Although there were some parts that were repetitive, it only makes sense that he would use certain pieces of information a few times for different speeches. What a brilliant reminder of our country's history and the fascinating people who helped shape it.
July 12, 2021
Not a long book but it was filled with interesting bits of history and historical facts I did not know. I particularly liked his emphasis throughout the book about the importance of reading books--lots of books, different kinds of books--old and new, particularly those classics which have stood the tests of time.
January 10, 2018
Excellent. Not to be missed.
July 21, 2018
A collection of inspiring speeches by the greatest living biographer, David McCullough.
July 9, 2019
David McCullough loves America. He believes in both the majesty and proud heritage of the American experiment. The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For is a series of speeches he gave to congratulate graduates and honor our nation at various official functions.
David McCullough is a teacher at heart and uses his knowledge of history to give praise to the given speech situation as well as remind all that they are part of history too. I love how he takes a commencement address and fills the speech with the history of the institution and reminds all that they are continuing that tradition and it does not happen in a vacuum. He loves learning and fills how America has had higher learning from the very beginning and it is important.
On his speeches at official functions, he fill his speeches on the importance of the American idea and how we did not do it alone. He reminds all of the humanity of our founding fathers and that they were men of their times with all of the foibles of their times. They were not perfect and could not live up to the ideals, but they strived to do so and that is what is important. David McCullough spoke of our combined history with the French and both the proud heritage we share as well as the debt they both incur from each other.
Possibly my favorite portion of the included speeches is how he proclaims for us to be proud to be American, but that we did not do this alone. He also chides in his grandfatherly way to keep educating oneself and keep improving.
The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For is amazing.
David McCullough is a teacher at heart and uses his knowledge of history to give praise to the given speech situation as well as remind all that they are part of history too. I love how he takes a commencement address and fills the speech with the history of the institution and reminds all that they are continuing that tradition and it does not happen in a vacuum. He loves learning and fills how America has had higher learning from the very beginning and it is important.
On his speeches at official functions, he fill his speeches on the importance of the American idea and how we did not do it alone. He reminds all of the humanity of our founding fathers and that they were men of their times with all of the foibles of their times. They were not perfect and could not live up to the ideals, but they strived to do so and that is what is important. David McCullough spoke of our combined history with the French and both the proud heritage we share as well as the debt they both incur from each other.
Possibly my favorite portion of the included speeches is how he proclaims for us to be proud to be American, but that we did not do this alone. He also chides in his grandfatherly way to keep educating oneself and keep improving.
The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For is amazing.
June 30, 2023
This collection of speeches was a quick read but full of inspiration. History matters. Learning matters. Reading matters. America was built by putting ourselves aside and working together for a common goal. I first listened to the audiobook read by the author then I bought a hard copy so I could read again and notate it. Some of my favorite quotes were:
"This country can not afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor."
"Take an interest in people. Get to know people. Get to know what they've been through before you pass judgment. That's essential."
"We need men who can dream of things that never were and ask "why not?"."
"If we are beset by problems, we have always been beset by problems. There never was a golden time past of smooth sailing only."
"Little of consequence is ever accomplished alone. High achievement is nearly always a joint effort."
"This country can not afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor."
"Take an interest in people. Get to know people. Get to know what they've been through before you pass judgment. That's essential."
"We need men who can dream of things that never were and ask "why not?"."
"If we are beset by problems, we have always been beset by problems. There never was a golden time past of smooth sailing only."
"Little of consequence is ever accomplished alone. High achievement is nearly always a joint effort."
January 15, 2018
This is a really charming collection of McCullough’s speeches. Most were given at college or university commencements. They aren’t provocative or necessarily even thought-provoking. The author is more affirming, than critical, of American ideals. But given the lack of any real unifying principles in American intellectual and political life, this collection is timely.
August 27, 2023
I really like this from McCullough: history is philosophy taught with examples.
His collection of speeches persuasively argues that the study of the past is not only informative and educational, but also necessary to expand the soul and deepen the lived human experience.
So, it seems like the antidote to general apathy and numbness is to feel connected to something greater than yourself, which can be achieved by reading more history and applying the lessons gleaned from the past “philosophy in action” to your own life.
His collection of speeches persuasively argues that the study of the past is not only informative and educational, but also necessary to expand the soul and deepen the lived human experience.
So, it seems like the antidote to general apathy and numbness is to feel connected to something greater than yourself, which can be achieved by reading more history and applying the lessons gleaned from the past “philosophy in action” to your own life.
December 2, 2023
Recommended to me by a Goodreads friend. Certainly worth the read. As a fan of many of his books, I was pleased to see the anecdotal power flow through into his speeches. Fascinating tidbits, tucked among larger truths. Short but sweet. Love the way he tailored his talks to the particular circumstances of the location.
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