What I Saw in America
G. K. Chesterton
Gelesen von Ray Clare
“Let me begin my American impressions with two impressions I had before I went to America. One was an incident and the other an idea; and when taken together they illustrate the attitude I mean. The first principle is that nobody should be ashamed of thinking a thing funny because it is foreign; the second is that he should be ashamed of thinking it wrong because it is funny.” (Gilbert Keith Chesterton) (9 hr 54 min)
Kapitel
Bewertungen
Excellent - Chesterton explores American life and thought, etc.
Jonathan
This book is the result of a speaking tour Chesterton gave in America; he discusses noteworthy aspects of American life and thought, frequently expanding these discussions into general treatments of societal and political topics such as industrialism and democracy. As always, Chesterton's dry wit shines as he gently pokes fun at some of America's finest foibles. Being Chesterton, he over-generalizes at times to make a point. As the point is usually deserved to some degree, this can generally be forgiven. This is the first of Chesterton's nonfiction I have read, and I am impressed. A particular gem from Chapter 18: "With the idea of being international, with the idea of being imperial, comes the frantic and farcical idea of being impartial. Generally speaking, men are never so mean and false and hypocritical as when they are occupied in being impartial. They are performing the first and most typical of all the actions of the devil. They are claiming the throne of God."
Ms. Elizabeth
I did enjoy the story of the elevator. I believe most of the criticism stems from his unbelief in Capitalism and the US Constitution. He begins with hotels and it's repetitive model; the billboard lights; describes the waiters as robotic. Those under it's spell are small minded. His hope is this would dissapate as the years go by. Boy, he would be shocked to see that it has spread world wide, though it's not credited to capitalism. America perfect? No. It's way better than what most critics say. When things go wrong, what country is called for help?
Best of Chesterton
Jeff Schoenborn
I think this is the most insightful of all of Chesterton, touching on the fundamental problems of globalism. Just as relevant today as it was 100 years ago.
nick
Chesterton writes about the strengths and weaknesses of period American democracy, taking many opportunities along the way to critique capitalism, progressivism, internationalism, and H. G. Wells.
Outside Perspective on America
Caleb
Chesterton's discussion of what he saw on his trip to America blends his usual wit with his profound insight.
well worth a read
A LibriVox Listener
very insightful; one never can see one's own country from the same perspective as an outsider.
A LibriVox Listener
If Americans would look at what they have as thoughtfully as Chesterton they might come to appreciate it for the delicate thing that it is and work a little more at protecting it rather than using its freedoms as self-serving license. Great read.
How We Got to Where We Are Now
Donald Gilmore
Insightful text which, although written early in the 20th century, pritty well explains how we arrived at the current moral and political situation. It is not for general entertainment listening.