Authored
by:
Theodore
Roosevelt Malloch, Chairman and CEO of the Roosevelt Group, Washington,
D.C. and Scott T. Massey, President and CEO of the Indiana
Humanities Council.
With a Foreword by James Billington, Librarian
of Congress, Washington,D.C.
(Download
a PDF of this chapter)
Audience:
Anyone with an interest in global change,
commerce, civil society and American culture
will find this a provocative and engrossing read.
The book should be read by all business executives,
political, educational, religious, civic, and
cultural leaders, as well as students of the
humanities.
Description:
The rapid, interlinked
dynamics of globalization, smart technologies,
and the growth of knowledge have created a
perfect storm of change. In the face of these
changes and challenges, this book asks: are
we facing sunset or dawn?
The
authors find a clear vision and new significance
in the Declaration of Independence, especially
in the idea of the "pursuit of happiness." The
book connects emerging global change with the
pursuit of happiness and shows that change
today is not only consistent with this principle,
but in fact caused by it.
The
book also provides a fresh understanding of
the roots of current fears about the future,
as well as those who criticize America’s
culture and society. The authors find that
these efforts to create a critical, "counter-narrative" to
the pursuit of happiness are derived from systems
of ideas that are no longer defensible in today’s
world. The book argues that it is time to reclaim
the civic space that is too often held hostage
by "civic vandals"; the need to radically
rethink and renew the relationships among business,
government, education, and non-profit institutions
has never been more pressing
There is a great hunger for a culture based on a renewed, broadened, and intellectually
charged affirmation of life and the pursuit of happiness. Cultural and academic
leaders in particular need to embrace change; business and government leaders,
too, need to understand better the humanistic and moral purposes that direct
commerce and policy. The emerging idea of "spiritual capital" is
critical to this new understanding.
The
book centers on three key questions:
1) What are the core values of American culture and the humanities?
2) Why do they have to be renewed?
3) How do we engage in the process of renewal?
The book concludes with a list
of 35 propositions that will bring about the
renewal of
American culture.
Reviews:
Click here
to read more Reviews of this book. "It is worth reminding ourselves, as this book does, that the humanities are a critical source of civic mindedness that is ultimately essential to our form of demcracy., Malloch and Massey affirm this point with clarity, precision, and optimism." The American Spectator
"The authors note the "uneasy relationship" the humanties have had with capital. "Is it too much to ask," they ask, "that humanities in a nonpartisan fashion defend the system that makes them possible for their very existence? Without some form of wealth creation, there would be no arts, or literature, no film or drama, or any organization to support philosophy or religion." A hit - a palpable hit." The Washington Times
"In setting out to explore the core values of America and find ways to renew them in the context of a global society, the authors create a shining vision of commerce and spirit connecting to unleash prosperity in America and the world. Malloch and Massey do a beautiful job of articulating the importance of the humanities." Book Wire Reviews
"A wise and thoughtful book that should be on the shelves of every library." Carol A. Mandel, Elmer Holmes Bobst Library, New York
About
the Authors:
Theodore Roosevelt Malloch, is Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of The Roosevelt Group, a leading strategic management and
thought leadership company. He has served on the executive board of the World
Economic Forum, which hosts the renowned yearly Davos meeting in Switzerland
and has held an ambassadorial level position in the United Nations in Geneva,
Switzerland (1989-91).
An accomplished author, he
has authored five books, numerous journal articles
and corporate reports and has appeared frequently
on television. He serves on four corporate and
mutual fund boards and five not-for-profit/educational
boards, including Yale Divinity School, University
of Toronto International Governing Council, a
Pew Charitable Trust board, International Center
for Religion and Diplomacy, Templeton Foundation
advisors, and The Perry Institute of Marine Science.
He recently co-founded and is President of the
Spiritual Enterprise Institute.
Visit
The Roosevelt Group online
Scott
T. Massey,
President and CEO of the Indiana Humanities
Council, and founding President of Global Strategies,
Inc. is a community strategist, educational
leader, author, and innovator. Dr. Massey has
designed leadership programs; created and directed
national programs and organizations; developed
international conferences and exchanges, developed
community-wide partnerships linking educational
and cultural assets; developed and trademarked
community assessment instruments; conceived
and trademarked learning technologies; developed
K - 12 educational models; conceived and trademarked
philanthropy programs; consulted on non-profit
and philanthropic issues; produced conferences,
symposia, and cultural festivals; written and
produced educational publications; and designed
educational leadership courses.
Prior to joining the Council,
Dr. Massey worked with Leonard Bernstein and
The Bernstein Education through the Arts Fund
to create and found The Leonard Bernstein Center.
In 2004, Dr. Massey served as national chairman
for the Aspen Summit on Rethinking the Public
Humanities.
Visit
Indiana Humanities Council online
Table
of Contents:
Preface (Download
a PDF of this chapter)
Foreword: James
Billington, Librarian of Congress (Download
a PDF of this chapter)
Chapter
One: The Pursuit of Happiness
Chapter
Two: Economic Humanism and Spiritual
Capital
Chapter
Three: The New Century & Its Challenges
Chapter
Four: Renewing the Humanities Links
to Personal Liberty, Creativity, and the Pursuit
of Happiness
Chapter
Five: Responding to Changing Ideas,
Needs, and Demands: A New Humanistic Vision
Chapter
Six: Leading, Learning, and Living as
Works of Art
Chapter
Seven: Financing the Future: Economics
as Humanism
Chapter
Eight: Leadership in a Global Society
Chapter
Nine: Governance, Transparency, Civil
Society, and Justice
Chapter
Ten: A Bright, Life-Affirming Future |
