The book critiques the foundational principles of the American Republic, arguing that they stem from Enlightenment ideals promoting radical individual autonomy. It posits that these principles have led to the moral and social decay of the nation, suggesting that the republic's establishment was a flawed endeavor with long-lasting negative consequences. Critics are portrayed as victims of this "poison pill," emphasizing the book's exploration of the historical and philosophical implications of America's founding.
In this eye-opening new book, foreign policy expert Robert R. Reilly uncovers
the root of our contemporary crisis: a pivotal struggle waged within the
Muslim world nearly a millennium ago. In a heated battle over the role of
reason, the side of irrationality won. The deformed theology that resulted,
Reilly reveals, produced the spiritual pathology of Islamism, and a deeply
dysfunctional culture.
The single greatest crisis of the 20th century was the loss of faith. Noise--and its acceptance as music--was the product of the resulting spiritual confusion and, in its turn, became the further cause of its spread. Likewise, the recovery of modern music, the theme to which this book is dedicated, stems from a spiritual recovery. This is made explicitly clear by the composers whose interviews with the author are collected in this book. Robert Reilly spells out the nature of the crisis and its solution in sections that serve as bookends to the chapters on individual composers. He does not contend that all of these composers underwent and recovered from the central crisis he describes, but they all lived and worked within its broader context, and soldiered on, writing beautiful music. For this, they suffered ridicule and neglect, and he believes their rehabilitation will change the reputation of modern music. It is the spirit of music that this book is most about, and in his efforts to discern it, Reilly has discovered many treasures. The purpose of this book is to share them, to entice you to listen--because beauty is contagious. English conductor John Eliot Gardiner writes that experiencing Bach's masterpieces "is a way of fully realizing the scale and scope of what it is to be human". The reader may be surprised by how many works of the 20th and 21st centuries of which this is also true [Publisher description]
Reilly's narrative offers a unique perspective on life behind bars, blending his experiences as a prison guard with reflections on the prison system. He reveals the blurred lines between guards and inmates, highlighting the challenges he faced while trying to provide for his family. Through his journey, he explores themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of the American industrial prison system, providing an insightful look into a world often hidden from public view.
The story revolves around Mrs. Vince DeMarco, a determined bar owner and single mother, who challenges a state law that prevents her son from obtaining a law license via apprenticeship. Her quest for justice leads her to confront a congressman, highlighting the struggle against outdated regulations and advocating for equal opportunities in legal education. The narrative explores themes of perseverance, parental dedication, and the quest for reform in the face of bureaucratic obstacles.
