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Tuesday, August 07, 2007

The Age of Abundance by Brink Lindsey

Why the Culture Wars Made Us More Libertarian (or)

How Prosperity Transformed America's Politics and Culture

I had high hopes for this book. It had received glowing blurbs from several perspectives and seemed like a topic timed perfectly to events.

The extra title verbiage should have been my first clue.

In addition, after just a few pages the reader is struck by the power of Lindsey's prose. In liquid phrases, he eloquently recounts the march of material progress as he sets the stage for his assertions that will undoubtedly explain something about the world we live in.

Long sentences beautifully crafted convince you of the author's literary prowess. Methodical research buttresses his depiction of the rise of material wealth and its effect on people. But by about halfway though the book, I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending preface. Where were the insights? What does this development mean or that incident?

By the time I was within sight of the end, it dawned on me I had simply indulged in a story-telling bout by an able reciter. The books ends without ever seriously applying the obvious intellect of the writer to the future or even the present.

This guy just loves to hear himself write - and to be fair, he can arrange words ( several of which I had not met before) magnificently.

Here is the whole book: As people gain wealth they become more accommodating to other ideas and adherent to middle-class values.

Oh and "The working class is obsolete".

Labels: culture, economics

¶ 5:41 AM

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: Name: John Phipps; Location: Chrisman, Illinois, United States

Jan and I farm 1700 acres near Chrisman, IL. I have also written humor and commentary for Farm Journal and Top Producer for 13 years. Please visit my website (www.johnwphipps.com) to learn about my speaking services for your group's next meeting.

View my complete profile

On the Coffee Table Tuesday, August 07, 2007 The Age of Abundance by Brink Lindsey Why the Culture Wars Made Us More Libertarian (or) How Prosperity Transformed America's Politics and Culture I had high hopes for this book. It had received glowing blurbs from several perspectives and seemed like a topic timed perfectly to events. The extra title verbiage should have been my first clue. In addition, after just a few pages the reader is struck by the power of Lindsey's prose. In liquid phrases, he eloquently recounts the march of material progress as he sets the stage for his assertions that will undoubtedly explain something about the world we live in. Long sentences beautifully crafted convince you of the author's literary prowess. Methodical research buttresses his depiction of the rise of material wealth and its effect on people. But by about halfway though the book, I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending preface. Where were the insights? What does this development mean or that incident? By the time I was within sight of the end, it dawned on me I had simply indulged in a story-telling bout by an able reciter. The books ends without ever seriously applying the obvious intellect of the writer to the future or even the present. This guy just loves to hear himself write - and to be fair, he can arrange words ( several of which I had not met before) magnificently. Here is the whole book: As people gain wealth they become more accommodating to other ideas and adherent to middle-class values. Oh and "The working class is obsolete". Labels: culture, economics ¶ 5:41 AM Comments: Post a Comment << Home About Me Name: John Phipps Location: Chrisman, Illinois, United States Jan and I farm 1700 acres near Chrisman, IL. I have also written humor and commentary for Farm Journal and Top Producer for 13 years. Please visit my website (www.johnwphipps.com) to learn about my speaking services for your group's next meeting. View my complete profile ARCHIVES 06/01/2006 - 07/01/2006 / 07/01/2006 - 08/01/2006 / 08/01/2006 - 09/01/2006 / 02/01/2007 - 03/01/2007 / 03/01/2007 - 04/01/2007 / 04/01/2007 - 05/01/2007 / 05/01/2007 - 06/01/2007 / 08/01/2007 - 09/01/2007 / advertisement MORE FROM JOHN What's for Dinner
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