I finished John Adams a long time ago but have had trouble getting onto this site. I really enjoyed the book and am so glad that I learned much more about this great man. In DC he does not have a big memorial like many other founding fathers but he was so important in the history of this country. I was impressed with his moral character and the character of his family. ( a line of virtuous and independent farmers) I loved some of the advice he gave Abigail in raising their children. ("Fire them with ambition to be useful." ) If only we could do that with our students. When he was teaching he discovered that a teacher should be an encourager. I think all good teachers need to do this!
I had known of his defending the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre but it was really interesting to learn more about that event. Again I was impressed with the depth of his character. I loved his statement, " Facts are stubborn things, and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictums of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." He was willing to defend the facts, even though it was unpopular and maybe even against his own wishes.
During the section about the part he played in bringing about the Declaration of Independence I wondered if the vote would have ever been successful without him. To him American independence was the only way!
I also liked his ideas on the purpose of government - to provide happiness to the people. He was also very adamant about government supporting education and getting education to be available to all. Don't we wish our students had his love of books and education?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I love to see a reluctant reader find a book that grabs them and helps them to find the love of reading.
ReplyDeleteI too, liked Adams' firm conviction on the importance of education, that it must become "the national care and expense" is exactly right. I wonder where that conviction has gone as our federal and state funding is continually cut?
I have also been impressed with the John Adams craze. Before McCullough's book I admit I really only knew the name John Adams and the fact that he was a president of the United States. I had no idea he had such a rich inner life complete with a beautiful marriage and so many journal accounts of his daily happenings and insights. I keep a journal and have for many years. I couldn't help but feel a little satisfaction about that when I thought that so much of what we know about this president comes from his own records. This book has created a buzz. A book about a guy who lived hundreds of years ago has become a best seller and a favorite among millons of readers because he cared enough to record his life and someone else (David McCullough) cared enough to read those records.
ReplyDelete