Book Ends for early 2017 by Delton
My writing
shelf for 2017 begins with writings by Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) and is closed
in by the writings of Tom Friedman (1953-).
Sinclair
Lewis started his life in Sauk Center which is about half way between St. Cloud
and Alexandria on Freeway 94. Tom Friedman began his life in St. Louis Park
which is just across town from us.
Lewis wrote
about the emblems of American progress – business and city growth. His main
characters are business people. He explores the relativity of business morals
as well as private rules of conduct. His business men consider it God’s will
that man should work, increase income and enjoy modern improvements.
Competition was to be the basic moral foundation. His books show what goes
wrong along the way to success. Family break up. Overspending on homes.
Alchoholism. Murder of spouses. Loneliness. Confusion of everything in
society. He was the first American
writer to win the Pulitzer Prize
Tom Friedman
writes about foreign affairs, the middle east and American politics. His
writings are filled with real characters from all over the world. In his work
as a columnist for the New York Times he has been in villages, home, cities and
in the halls of government. Globalization is a central theme. So is terrorism
and its roots. Wars and environment have also been matters of interest. China
is another focus of interest.
Both Lewis
and Friedman have had wide influence and support matched by pointed criticism
from well-known people. Considering
their subject matters how could they avoid having enemies.
My reading
includes books by both Lewis and Friedman.
Right now I am reading Dodsworth by Lewis – just as boring as the
business world he describes. A book by
Friedman entitled Thank you for being late: An Optimists Guide to Thriving in
the Age of Accelerations – fascinating in its future focus.
Lewis was a
prophet of what would take place in America right up to present moment. Friedman
is a prophet of what the future may look like in the light of present events
and developments. To best understand
both of them I see them as bookends to start 2017.
Lewis wrote
It Can’t Happen Here in 1935. The novel describes the rise of Berzilius Windrip
who gets elected president by fomenting fear and promising drastic economic and
social reforms while promoting a return to patriotism and traditional values.
After election Windrip takes complete control of the government with the help
of a paramilitary force. A journalist
Doremus Jessup raises up opposition to the new regime.
Friedman in
Thank You for Being Late presents the urgency of recognizing Mother Nature as
Political Mentor. Mother Nature is always trying new experiments as well as
doing away with whatever does not work out. Ecological balance is maintained by
allowing bankrupt species to disappear and new forms of life to appear. Mother
Nature is slow and patient. Change is constant.
We are blessed to have such creative minds in American and World culture.
Del
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