In 1954-1955, John F. Kennedy's active role as a Senator in the affairs of the nation was interrupted for the better part of a year by his convalescence from an operation to correct a disability incurred as skipper of a World War II torpedo boat. He used his "idle" hours to great advantage; he rediscovered, and did intensive research into, the courage and patriotism of a handful of Americans who at crucial moments in history had revealed a special sort of greatness: men who disregarded dreadful consequences to their public ...
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In 1954-1955, John F. Kennedy's active role as a Senator in the affairs of the nation was interrupted for the better part of a year by his convalescence from an operation to correct a disability incurred as skipper of a World War II torpedo boat. He used his "idle" hours to great advantage; he rediscovered, and did intensive research into, the courage and patriotism of a handful of Americans who at crucial moments in history had revealed a special sort of greatness: men who disregarded dreadful consequences to their public and private lives to do that one thing which seemed right in itself. These men ranged from the extraordinarily colorful to the near-drab; from the born aristocrats to the self-made. They were men of various political and regional allegiances - their one overriding loyalty was to the United States and to the right as God gave them to see it. There was John Quincy Adams, who lost his Senate seat and was repudiated in Boston for his support of his father's enemy Thomas Jefferson; Sam Houston, who performed political acts of courage as dramatic as his heroism on the field of battle; Thomas Hart Benton, whose proud and sarcastic tongue fought against the overwhelming odds that insured his political death; and Edmond Ross who "looked down into his open grave" as he saved President Johnson from an impeachment; and Norris of Nebraska; and Taft of Ohio; and Lamar of Mississippi (who did as much as any one man to heal the wounds of civil war). There was Daniel Webster, scourged for his devotion to Union by the most talented array of constituents ever to attack a Senator. For the most part Kennedy's patriots are United States Senators, but he also pays tribute to such men as Governor Altgeld of Illinois and Charles Evans Hughes of New York. And in the opening and closing chapters, which are as inspiring as they are revealing, Kennedy draws on his personal experience to tell something of the satisfactions and burdens of a Senator's job - of the pressures, both outward and inward - and of the standards by which a man of principle must work and live. John F. Kennedy has used wonderful skill in transforming the facts of history into dramatic personal stories. There are suspense, color and inspiration here, but first of all there is extraordinary understanding of that intangible thing called courage. Courage such as these men shared, Kennedy makes clear, is central to all morality--a man does what he must in spite of personal consequences - and these exciting stories suggest the thought that, without in the least disparaging the courage with which men die, we should not overlook the true greatness adorning those acts of courage with which men must live.
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Add this copy of Profiles in Courage to cart. $14.19, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Austell, GA, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Ishi Press.
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book was in better condition than I expected and reading it now vs at 16 gave me a better understanding in our country's attitude. I know book was written by another but where our country's thoughts were then are still the same. I would definitely recommend my age group to read it again.
DaveH
Feb 25, 2009
A Great book by Ted Sorensen
John Kennedy did not write this book. It was written, for the most part by Ted Sorenesen - a few other people had a hand in it as well. Joe Kennedy engineered the Pulitzer win so it would help his son's career.
I only point this out because, had this been a less popular president (eg Nixon) this fact would most likely be prominently displayed on newer editions of the book.
Is it a worthwhile read? It can be plodding. I only have it in my collection because I specialize in Kennedy Johnson and Nixon.
Ron Townsend
Mar 18, 2008
grace under pressure
This book was as hard to read at age 10 as at age 60. When I finished it recently I picked up Sartre's lecture on existentialism as humanism and breezed through it. I don't know why political writings can be so convoluted. I guess politicians want to write for politicians. The only political writing I ever understood was that of Thomas Paine and I found myself again reading harder books after reading his. The point of Kennedy's book was to show that each of the eight men he profiled made a choice even though that would end their careers or hamper them in the future. Sartre would have considered their decisions existential.
Wolfman
Apr 26, 2007
True Grace Under Pressure
JFK truly deserved the Pulitzer Prize for his excellent account of extremely courageous, past U.S. Senators, who under extreme pressure from their own party, friends and constituents, decided to follow their individual conscience and abide by their principles rather than being swayed by partisan or regional political considerations, or because of selfish or vindictive reasons. Men of real integrity, these Senators chose to sacrifice everything that they have, including their career, their livelihood and personal reputation to follow and uphold the principle of fairness, justice and liberty. Every politician and every person in public office (national, state and local) should read this book for guidance in discharging his/her duties and responsibilities as public servants
