This guest post is by Heidi Angell, author of Creative Exercises to Inspire and Royal Prince Vince. For more on Heidi, visit her website at http://angellslife.com/
Genre: Nonfiction, History, Politics
Synopsis: The 5,000 year Leap reviews the constitution of the the United States, the principles upon which it was based, how those principles allowed the world to make more progress in the last 200 odd years than humanity had made in the previous 5,000 year, and how if we do not continue to cling to those precepts, our society will backslide. The author has a wealth of quotes not only from the Founding Fathers and Americans, but also from great historical figures such as Charles de Montesquieu, John Locke (not the mystery writer, the political writer who composed
the Questions Concerning the Laws of Nature) Aristotle, and other great philosophers and political writers of their times.
Review: The book is a very fascinating and in-depth review of the constitution, the influences of the time that helped to shape the Founding Father's thoughts as they wrote it, and quotes from the Founding Fathers to clarify, confirm, and warn Americans of their belief in the importance of maintaining the basic principles of the Constitution. The author rides a very fine line of guiding Americans in their implied responsibilities with the constitution, warning of the dangers of our not remaining vigilant in protecting the rights established for us through the constitution. It is, as one review on Amazon pointed out, "an incredible book that should be read by all Americans." (
S. Peek, Amazon.com) But I would take it one step further, and say that this is a book that should be read by anyone who believes in freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and wishes to protect their own freedoms in the countries in which they live. It is also a book which I feel is important to re-read as often as necessary to keep these precepts fresh in our minds. I do not know if I agree with everything the author says, but as a whole, this book is brilliant and really hit home for me!
As we enter yet another election year, I feel that it is more important than ever for people to read (or re-read, as the case may be) this book and consider these principles and take a close look at who we are voting for. We need to take our duties seriously, if we wish to maintain our freedoms. An educated people is a happy people, and sadly as Americans we have let our political education slip, not studying our candidates and their policies before we elect them. I am not promoting one candidate or another, and neither does this book. That is what I love about it. The point is not "who is right, the Republicans or the Democrats?" The point is that we as a people
need to be vigilant in protecting our rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!"
Author: (Information obtained from
W. Cleon Skousen's page on Amazon.com and from
wikipedia) W. Cleon Skousen (January 20, 1913 – January 9, 2006) was a popular author, speaker and
teacher who lectured in every state and province in North America, and
in more than 60 countries world-wide. He was a student of history and a
scholar of law, specializing in the principles of Freedom, the U.S.
Constitution, economics, and ancient history and scriptures.
He
was invited to write a new constitution for Canada and the proposed
United States of Latin America, and he published a model constitution
that could be adopted by nations everywhere. He was a prolific writer and produced three
national best sellers, The Naked Communist, The Naked Capitalist, and
The Five Thousand Year Leap. Eight of his books were used as college
texts, and several were translated and published in other countries.
Dr.
Skousen was born in Canada, and returned to the U.S. with his family at
age ten. He spent two years in Mexico, two years in England, graduated
from San Bernardino College in California, and received his juris doctor
degree from George Washington University Law School.
He
believed knowledge and understanding were key to maintaining a free
country, and spent his entire adult life opening up complex issues for
deeper understanding by students and audiences all around the world.
Mr.
Skousen and his wife, Jewel Pitcher, are
the parents of eight children, 50 grandchildren, and more than 120
great-grandchildren.
Rating **** Four out of Five Stars
