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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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What Unites Us summary
Dan Rather
Elliot Kirschner
Reflections on Patriotism
19 mins
Brief summary
What Unites Us by Dan Rather with Elliot Kirschner explores the core values that define Americans such as freedom, community, and responsibility. It highlights the importance of unity and offers insights on how we can work together to achieve common goals.
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What Unites Us
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Key idea 1 of 6
A free and undaunted press is essential to America’s wellbeing.
Have you ever read George Orwell’s novel 1984? It tells the story of a society gone mad. A world in which propaganda runs amok, history is constantly revised, and the notion of objective truth has lost all meaning.
Sound familiar to you? Well, if that dystopia reminds you of the world we currently live in, you’re not alone. In fact, a new generation of readers has come to Orwell’s story because they believe the dismal society he envisioned is already taking shape in the US.
Luckily, one important factor helps us to avoid the oppressive atmosphere depicted in 1984. According to the author, it’s America’s press – the reporters, pundits, and political journalists who have long held the powerful accountable.
The key message here is: A free and undaunted press is essential to America’s wellbeing.
After defeating the British, America’s Founding Fathers developed their constitution as carefully as possible. Their main aim was to institute a government of limited powers – with checks and balances to keep would-be dictators in place.
To that end, the very first amendment to the Constitution was designed to guarantee the liberty of the press. And in the centuries since then, America has always been at its strongest when its journalists have felt empowered to question and investigate a political leader’s actions.
Not convinced? Well, take a look at what can happen when journalists stop asking tough questions – like when the US invaded Iraq in 2003.
The press should have scrutinized the government’s reasoning. Was war really necessary? Did the US need to worry that Iraq had “weapons of mass destruction”? Not enough journalists posed these sorts of questions. The majority were quick to merely accept the arguments of those in charge.
In the end, the Iraq war ended up destabilizing a region that was already at boiling point. In recent years, the Middle East has seen a brutal civil war in Syria, the rise of Iran as a global power, and the emergence of ISIS and other groups of terrorists. We might have been able to avert these crises if we’d thought twice before beginning the war on Iraq in the first place.
That’s a lesson worth remembering these days. With reporters being intimidated by top, elected officials, and the press constantly disparaged as “fake news,” it’s worth reflecting on what happens when the media neglect their duties. As Iraq can teach us, it’s rarely good.
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What is What Unites Us about?
What Unites Us (2017) is an ode to American traditions, ideals, and solidarity. Drawing on Dan Rather’s long career as a political reporter, it appeals to all that is good and enduring in US culture and politics.
What Unites Us Review
What Unites Us (2017) by Dan Rather with Elliot Kirschner is an insightful exploration of the values that bring Americans together and the challenges they face as a nation. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Thought-provoking analysis of the core principles that define us as a society, reminding us of the importance of unity and shared goals.
- The book offers compelling personal stories that highlight the diversity and interconnectedness of the American experience, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Promotes critical reflection on the current state of American politics and the implications for our future, encouraging readers to engage in thoughtful dialogue.
Who should read What Unites Us?
- Americans no longer sure what their country stands for
- International observers interested in what makes Americans tick
- US citizens concerned by rampant polarization
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What Unites Us FAQs
What is the main message of What Unites Us?
The main message of What Unites Us is a reflection on the core values that bring us together as Americans.
How long does it take to read What Unites Us?
The reading time for What Unites Us varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is What Unites Us a good book? Is it worth reading?
What Unites Us is worth reading as it offers a thoughtful exploration of the values that bind us as a nation.
Who is the author of What Unites Us?
Dan Rather with Elliot Kirschner.
What to read after What Unites Us?
If you're wondering what to read next after What Unites Us, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
- Electra by Sophocles
- Autocracy, Inc. by Anne Applebaum
- Martin Luther by Heinz Schilling
- Lying by Sam Harris
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- Unstoppable Brain by Kyra Bobinet
- The Situation Room by George Stephanopoulos