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David McCullough

The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For Kindle Edition

by David McCullough (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

1,912 ratings

4.2 on Goodreads

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A New York Times Bestseller

A timely collection of speeches by David McCullough, one of America’s most honored historians—winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom—that reminds us of the enduring principles at the heart of the American experience.

“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 addressed Congress, the White House, universities, and historical institutions across the country. Now, in an era of self-reflection following a divisive political season, he brings together these stirring speeches in a powerful volume celebrating civic duty, American character, and historical perspective.

“The American Spirit is as inspirational as it is brilliant, as simple as it is sophisticated” (Buffalo News). McCullough reminds us of the values that unite us as Americans—regardless of region, political affiliation, or background. This is a book of history, hope, and reflection that speaks directly to readers seeking wisdom, unity, and a deeper connection to the ideals that define the United States.

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April 18 2017
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But power is not the point, responsibility is the point and at the heart of responsibility always are moral choices. In what we do, in what we say, what we stand for, we must feel, as did the founders of the nation, as did the founders of this college, that it is the example of America that matters.
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Beware the purists, the doctrinaires. It has been by the empirical method largely, by way of trial and error, that we have come so far. America itself is an experiment and we must bear that always in mind.
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“McCullough perfectly embodies the part of remember-in-chief. . . . Happily, the same qualities that inform McCullough’s histories and biographies also shape his speeches. He is, whether at his desk or a lectern, a consummate storyteller.”
-- Danny Heitman ― Christian Science Monitor

“Very few among us possess the encompassing and informed perspective on America’s past and present that historian and best-selling author McCullough has gained over decades of research. . . . McCullough’s legions of fans will flock to this edifying collection.” ― Booklist

"This book is a gift. . . . It's a powerful argument for keeping history alive." -- Michael Schaub ― NPR

“A national treasure, McCullough performs a national service in The American Spirit. Insightful and inspirational, it summons a vexed and divided nation to remember - and cherish - our unifying ideas and ideals.” -- Jay Strafford ― Richmond Times Dispatch

“[McCullough] is one of the great historical storytellers of his generation. . . . Fundamentally Mr. McCullough loves the American story and its most illustrious characters.” -- Robert W. Merry ― The Wall Street Journal

"This collection captures McCullough's passion and vigor throughout. . . . [His] enthusiasm for history is infectious." -- Andrew Carroll ― The Los Angeles Review of Books

“A carefully crafted, well-reasoned, heartfelt testament to what this nation can be — past, present, and we must believe — future.”

-- Barbara Hall ― The Providence Journal

"McCullough's passion for history and his profound belief in America, or at least his vision of America . . . is both encompassing and deeply hopeful. . . .Clio, the muse of history, smiles and nods her head on every page." ― Kirkus Reviews

“Acclaimed historian David McCullough’s The American Spirit is as inspirational as it is brilliant, as simple as it is sophisticated. It will at the same time make you laugh and give rise to tears of despair. . . . This is not patriotic boilerplate. McCullough is a historian and a realist. He sees his nation with all its warts, beginning with its indelible birthmark of slavery and continuing through to today’s government dysfunction and political polarization. Yet he remains confident and upbeat.” -- Edward Cuddihy ― Buffalo News

About the Author

David McCullough has twice received the Pulitzer Prize, for Truman and John Adams, and twice received the National Book Award, for The Path Between the Seas and Mornings on Horseback. His other acclaimed books include The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, Brave Companions, 1776, The Greater Journey, The American Spirit, and The Wright Brothers. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award. Visit DavidMcCullough.com.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01NBVG0IW
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 18 2017
Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 32.6 MB
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 194 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1501174209
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
�鶹�� Rank: #1,432,284 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #108 in Speeches
- #448 in Historical Essays (Books)
- #705 in Historical Essays (Kindle Store)
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David McCullough

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David McCullough has twice received the Pulitzer Prize, for Truman and John Adams, and twice received the National Book Award, for The Path Between the Seas and Mornings on Horseback; His other widely praised books are 1776, Brave Companions, The Great Bridge, and The Johnstown Flood. He has been honored with the National Book Foundation Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Award, the National Humanities Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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L. Jerome Redmond
Our History through Stories
Reviewed in Canada on May 11, 2017
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Outstanding speeches by the author over the years on America. History is our lifeblood in America and David McCullough clearly understands that it is story telling. Must read for all High School, and University students in America.

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ABC
Great book.
Reviewed in Canada on November 3, 2017
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Interesting and inspiring.

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spymaster
One need not be an American to find this inspiring.
Reviewed in India on February 3, 2021
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A short but inspiring book from the great David McCullough. It tells us the impossible odds the American revolution and its leaders had to face. What we take as commonplace now were revolutionary ideals during the 1700s. Other things discussed are the importance of education and curiosity.

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William J. Bahr
Character is Key for Liberty!
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2020
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I love this book. It’s a chronological collection of the most important 15 of many speeches America’s most honored historian gave over 27 years, ending in 2016. For me, the book is essentially about the importance character has played in the American saga.

I should start by saying that my favorite American era is the Revolutionary War, and for a book I wrote about George Washington’s Liberty Key (Mount Vernon’s Bastille Key), Mr. McCullough graciously sent me a note to confirm an idea I thought I heard him say sometime earlier in a video interview: “The American Revolution was all about character.” Elsewhere, he had previously written, “Character it’s what counts most of all. [That’s] what’s taught in the story of the Revolution.” This was complemented by renowned historian Gordon Wood writing: “The Revolution is the most important event in American history. … The things we believe in came out of that revolution.”

So I very much welcomed this 2017 book from Mr. McCullough, which I bought and read as soon as it came out. As I reread it now, here are a few of the “character” gems I find:

Referring to South Africa’s Nelson Mandela: “And we saw greatness, too, in the conduct and character of the white man he replaced, President F.W. de Klerk.” “History teaches that character counts. Character above all.” “As Truman saw the presidency, the chief responsibility was to make decisions and he made some of the most difficult and far-reaching of any president. If not brilliant or eloquent, he was courageous and principled. The invisible something he brought to the office was character.” Per John Adams earnest wishes, now engraved on the White House mantelpiece: “I pray to heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house, and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.” “The Greeks said that character is destiny, and the more I read of the human story, the more convinced I am they were right.”

I would point out that, for a new edition, the following assertion on page 91 might be clarified: “A third of the country was for it [independence], a third of the country was against it, and the remaining third, in the old human way, was waiting to see who came out on top.” According to “All Things Liberty,” this frequently characterized split in revolutionary-era Americans was made by John Adams. However, he was referring not to the American Revolution but the American view of the French Revolution. From my own research on the American Revolution, other historians place the ratio somewhere around 10% for the American Revolution, 10% against, and 80% just wanting to be left alone. However, as the Revolution progressed, the percentages varied wildly depending upon prospects for independence. It's been written that, at most, those for the Revolution did not exceed 45% and those against 20%.

Overall, however, and this single issue aside, “The American Spirit” is a great book. Typical of all of McCullough’s works, it’s well-researched, well-written (almost poetic at times), and well-spoken —the chapters were, after all, speeches. True to his advice to educators, he makes history his “story.” And, indeed, a fascinating story it is, full of intriguing, little-known facts about America’s heroes that inform, entertain, and inspire.

Bottom-line: highly recommended!

“Character is Key for Liberty!” Check out how “Character, Culture, and Constitution” played “key” roles in the American and French Revolutions: George Washington's Liberty Key: Mount Vernon's Bastille Key – the Mystery and Magic of Its Body, Mind, and Soul, a best-seller at Mount Vernon.

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Keith Wheelock
Quintessential McCullough, a Proud American Patriot
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2017
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HISTORY, I LIKE TO THINK, IS A LARGER WAY OF LOOKING AT LIFE. IT IS A SOURCE OF STRENGTH, OF INSPIRATION....HISTORY, AS CAN'T BE SAID TOO OFTEN, IS HUMAN. IT IS ABOUT PEOPLE AND THEY SPEAK TO US ACROSS THE YEARS.

This quotation, from THE AMERICAN SPIRIT: WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE STAND FOR, reflects the essence of why David McCullough is the most significant American historian of my generation. This magnificent storyteller weaves personal stories into historical quilts.

This was evident in his Pulitzer-winning TRUMAN and JOHN ADAMS. The Roeblings provided the mortar for his THE GREAT BRIDGE. Young Teddy also appears as President Roosevelt in THE PATH BETWEEN THE SEAS. The Panama caper is a riveting detective story replete with scurrilous villains and boldly courageous builders. The Wright brothers are an unlikely twosome that was on the cusp of early American aviation.

BRAVE COMPANIONS is my favorite McCullough treasure. I have re-read it for personal comfort in times of family sadness. These personal vignettes provide history on both broad and narrow canvases. The common theme is fascinating human stories that illuminate history.

For me, THE AMERICAN SPIRIT: WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE STAND FOR is a latter day sequel to BRAVE COMPANIONS (1992). McCullough has judicially selected from hundreds of speeches to encapsulate, at age 83, his reflections on America and Americans. His message rings clear:
* He is proud of the individuals who have made America what it is today;
*their stories reflect a succulent American bouillabaisse, whatever they may be serving in Washington;
*McCullough has faith in the American people.

For me, THE AMERICAN SPIRIT is akin to John Lewis Gaddis' THE COLD WAR: A NEW history, which is a brief synthesis of his life-long scholarship, as is McCullough's 171-page gem. Much of what McCullough presents is new to this reader. Other speeches reflect aspects of his previous books.

McCullough has given hundreds of speeches. He has spoken in all fifty states. He is one of a handful of private citizens to have addressed a joint session of Congress. He has spoken at the White House and in the Capitol building. He has particularly relished speaking to students and has received 54 honorary degrees.

McCullough greatly enjoys spreading his wisdom far and wide. His core message is reflected in his advice to graduating students:
* "here is so much around us that might never have happened were it not for a host of qualities called imagination, commitment, courage, creativity, and determination in the face of obstacles--that may be most of all;"
* "History teaches that character counts. Character above all;"
* "We are here because of the grit and faith of the generations who have gone before. As Winston Churchill reminded us in a dark time, 'We didn't come this far because we are made of sugar candy;'"
* "Nor was there ever a self-made man or woman as much as we Americans love that expression. Everyone who's ever lived has been affected, changed, shaped, helped, or hindered by others;"
* "Never forget that one of the greatest of our freedoms is the freedom to think for yourself;"
* "Choose work you believe in, work you enjoy. Money enough will follow. Believe me, there's nothing like turning every day to work you love;"
* "And sometime, somewhere along the line, do something for your country;"
* " Learning is acquired mainly from books, and most readily from great books. And from teachers, and the more learned and emphatic the better. And from work, concentrated work;"
* "Abigail Adams put it perfectly more than two hundred years ago: 'Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought with ardor and attended with diligence.' Ardor, to my mind, is the key word;'"
* "Unfortunately we are raising a generation of young Americans who are by and large historically illiterate;"
* "Most [American history text books], it would seem, have been created in order to kill any interest one might have in history;"
* "There is no great secret to teaching history or to making history interesting. Barbara Tuchman said it in two word, 'Tell stories.' That's what history is: story:"
* "Read for pleasure. Read to enlarge your lives. Read history, read biography. learn from the lives of others;"
* "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. Let's never be the kind of people who do things lukewarmly. If you're going to ring the bell, give the rope one hell of a pull."

I and countless others are deeply indebted to David McCullough--America's Clio.

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kahemingway
Speeches About American History
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2017
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David McCullough is an American historian who needs no introduction. Passionate about his subject matter, he's written about everything from "John Adams," to "The Wright Brothers." His broad knowledge of his subject matter cannot be questioned, nor can his popularity after creating numerous history books spanning decades that are still all in print to this day. His latest book, a short collection of his own speeches, has been released for the purpose of encouraging the study of history and preserving the American character.

The book begins with a short introduction by the author, followed by speeches from the 1990's all the way until 2016. Many of them are speeches given at colleges, others are commemorative speeches, but all of them have the theme of promoting history to future generations. Regardless of the location, it's clear that these speeches are both genuine and passionate in the message they are trying to send to both the audience they were spoken to and the reader they are now attempting to engage.

"The American Spirit" is a short book and it comes with many pictures to boot. On the upside, the book shines in the personal stories of the Founders, presidents, congressmen and immigrants who have an indisputable role in America's formation. It reminds its audience that every generation of Americans has faced severe problems in their time and we are not unique in this. On the downside, the speeches can get a bit repetitive on some points, even if the point of learning and studying history is something the reader agrees with.

The book is short, entertaining and worth a read if you like reading about figures in America's history who are famous or otherwise. As for whether or not this book will convince future generations to study history, all I can say is that if it isn't entirely convincing then it certainly doesn't hurt.

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Glynn Young
What we've had, what we're risking, and what we might need to do to recover
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2017
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David McCullough has spent his professional lifetime exploring the people and events that form a goodly part of what we call American history. He’s fascinated by the history of the United States, but it’s a fascination that doesn’t preclude understanding of or excuse things that need to be criticized. His reach and interest are as broad as they is deep.

McCullough – editor, teacher, lecturer, television host – is the author of numerous works of history and biography, including “The Path Between the Seas” (1978); “Mornings on Horseback” (1982); “The Johnstown Flood” (1987); “Brave Companions: Portraits in History” (1992);” Truman” (1993); “John Adams” (2002); “1776” (2005); and “The Wright Brothers” (2015); among several others. He’s won two National Book Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes, and two Francis Parkman Awards.

In other words, he’s an eminence in American historical letters.

He gives speeches, and when he does, it’s worthwhile to listen and ponder. He’s assembled 15 of those speeches, stretching from 1989 to 2016, in “The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For.” The volume is a gem of understanding, and of American history, the words and insights spoken by one of our pre-eminent American historians.

He’s a master of the telling detail, such as that of Simon Willard’s clock, which sits within a statue in Congress and has been there since 1837. “Its inner workings ticked off the minutes and hours through debate on the Gag Rule, the annexation of Texas, the Mexican War, tariffs, postal service, the establishment of the Naval Academy, statehood for Arkansas, Michigan, Wisconsin, matters related to immigration, the Gold Rush, Statehood for California, the fateful Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the final hours of John Quincy Adams,” he writes. These were events and actions not only important for the United States but indeed the world.

And we read the story of John Quincy Adams, who returned as a congressman from Massachusetts after he served as our 6th President. Adams, the educated and experienced son of John Adams, would die in Congress, stricken while in the House of Representatives and carried to the speaker’s office, where he died two days later. Henry Clay held his hand as he died.

In these speeches, McCullough talks of buildings and commemorations, historical figures known and not-so-known, and events that we’ve heard so often they seem trite but in his hands become living things.

One of the common themes is education – why it’s important and why it needs to be a lifelong pursuit; it’s not a monopoly of the institutional classroom. Here his speeches show a shift, however. From 2005 on, McCullough begins to note what he sees happening in the classroom – that we are not teaching American history as it has been taught or even at all. And citizens, and the country, are both poorer for it.

During a time like now, when divisiveness, rage, and outrage are the political order (or disorder) of the day, “The American Spirit” is a potent reminder of what we've had, what we’re risking, and what we might need to do to recover.

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