Integrity
by Stephen L. Carter
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In this thoughtful book, Stephen Carter, whose 1993 book The Culture of Disbelief changed the way we talk about the role of religion in American life, turns his critical eye to the mystery of why the virtue of integrity holds such sway over the American political imagination. Why do we care more about winning than about playing by the rules? What are our rules about following the rules? What are our rules about breaking them? He explains why integrity is first in importance among the show more elements of good character, as well as why it is so hard to attain. By weaving together insights from philosophy, theology, history, and law, along with examples drawn from current events and a dose of personal experience, Carter offers a vision of integrity that has implications for everything from marriage and politics to professional football. He discusses the difficulties involved in trying to legislate integrity as well as the possibilities for teaching it. The first in a trilogy of books on the most important elements of the character of the good citizen, Integrity presents a frank examination of the national mood and concludes that unless we find ways to place integrity at the center of both our private and public lives, the American idea may crumble and the greatness of our democracy along with it. show lessTags
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A brilliant masterpiece. Even better than [b:Civility: Manners, Morals, and the Etiquette of Democracy|253778|Civility Manners, Morals, and the Etiquette of Democracy|Stephen L. Carter|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1410132287s/253778.jpg|2088563], though they complement each other well.
It illustrates the diminishing trends in integrity--- which may not turn out to be just what you think it is. Particularly striking was his chapter on Civil Disobedience and the Civil Rights movement, Law and the Court, scholars and letters of recommendation, and his comments on the press(all of which he has some first-hand knowledge). As I have said before, his intelligence is striking and his civility would make him a good (and interesting) show more neighbor.
Now I wish he would write a book entitled "Tolerance". show less
It illustrates the diminishing trends in integrity--- which may not turn out to be just what you think it is. Particularly striking was his chapter on Civil Disobedience and the Civil Rights movement, Law and the Court, scholars and letters of recommendation, and his comments on the press(all of which he has some first-hand knowledge). As I have said before, his intelligence is striking and his civility would make him a good (and interesting) show more neighbor.
Now I wish he would write a book entitled "Tolerance". show less
Yale law professor. First in trilogy of books on the most important elements of a Good Citizen. The significance of this work is not in the ideas, or even the solutions, but in the documentation of the fact that integrity is NOT at the center of our private and public lives.
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Author Information
22+ Works 6,816 Members
Stephen L. Carter was born in Washington, D.C. on October 26, 1954. He received a bachelor's degree in history from Stanford University in 1976 and a law degree from Yale University in 1979. After graduation, he served as a law clerk for Judge Spottswood W. Robinson, III, of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, show more and for Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. In 1982, he joined the Yale University faculty and is currently the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law. He is the author of numerous non-fiction works including Reflections of an Affirmative Action Baby (1991); The Culture of Disbelief: How American Law and Politics Trivialize Religious Devotion (1993); The Confirmation Mess: Cleaning Up the Federal Appointments Process (1994); Integrity (1996); The Dissent of the Governed: A Meditation on Law, Religion, and Loyalty (1998); Civility: Manners, Morals, and the Etiquette of Democracy (1998); and God's Name in Vain: The Wrongs and Rights of Religion in Politics (2000). He has also written several fiction works including The Emperor of Ocean Park and Jericho's Fall. He was the first non-theologian to receive the prestigious Louisville-Grawemeyer Award in religion. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Awards and Honors
Awards
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1996
- Dedication
- To my mother and father, my first teachers, and, once more, to Enola-- naturally
- First words
- My first lesson in integrity came the hard way.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)And that path integrity forbirds us to take.
- Original language
- English
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Statistics
- Members
- 394
- Popularity
- 78,859
- Reviews
- 3
- Rating
- (3.93)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 4
