The Point of It All: A Lifetime of Great Loves and Endeavors by Charles Krauthammer

The Point of It All: A Lifetime of Great Loves and Endeavors Reviews

• 
  Larry

  It’s not the book, it’s me. Truth is, I may not be smart enough to enjoy this book.
• 
  Negin

  How I miss Charles Krauthammer and his insightful articles. He was a voice of reason in a world that has gone slightly mad to say the least.
  
  This book, a collection of his essays from “The National Review”, “The Washington Post”, and “Time”, was edited by his son, Daniel. I preferred his other book,
  Things That Matter, but this one was a wonderful read also.
  
  
  
  Here are some of my favorite quotes. There were so many. Others that I loved are shown below my review.
  
  “The next time you find yourself in the midst of some national hysteria with sensible people losing their heads, with legislatures in panic and with the media buying it all and amplifying it with a kind of megaphone effect, remember this: Remember that a people—even the most sensible people—can all lose their heads at once.”
  
  “Do not misunderstand. There is a nuclear problem, especially in the form of nuclear proliferation. There are environmental problems. And every society has economic problems. But there is a difference between a problem and panic.”
  
  “It is true that other countries, particularly in Europe, have in the past several decades opened themselves up to immigration. But the real problem is not immigration but assimilation. Anyone can do immigration. But if you don’t assimilate the immigrants—France, for example, has vast, isolated exurban immigrant slums with populations totally alienated from the polity and the general culture—then immigration becomes not an asset but a liability.”
  
  “Given our geography, our tolerant culture and the magnetic attraction of our economy, illegals will always be with us. Our first task, therefore, should be abolishing bilingual education everywhere and requiring that our citizenship tests have strict standards for English language and American civics. The cure for excessive immigration is successful assimilation. The way to prevent European-like immigration catastrophes is to turn every immigrant—and most surely his children—into an American.”
  
  “As Chesterton once put it unkindly, ‘Tolerance is the virtue of people who do not believe anything.’”
  
  
  
  “You’re betraying your whole life if you don’t say what you think—and you don’t say it honestly and bluntly.”
  
  “He believed in Einstein’s (apocryphal) dictum that ‘if you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.’”
• 
  Jeanette

  One, the speech he gave to the McGill Medical School graduation class in 1993 is probably the best speech for graduation day genre, I've ever read. No, not probably. It just is- period.
  
  This is too superb and edited by his son most excellently. It's brimmed with a cup overflowing toward emotion paired with precise logic, and yet succinct in word craft nailing to the logical analysis. It's just too excellent for me to cover all specifics and particulars for the depth here. In both the limits and varieties of awareness that it covers. Core of "being human" truly is this topic.
  
  This is many subjects, not just the political or politico/ economics commentary at all. But the last sections have been included to hold more current and well thought out analysis to the attitudes and juxtapositions that we find ourselves within our 200 plus year republic- more than entire other books have contained. Some I have read myself, for sure- have in 600 pages not dented what his arrow pierces here.
  
  But this is about the summations to "real" and "correct" and "moral" for an entire life's journey. And such a life is displayed! Charles as a person, a husband, a dad- and basically a human. Not just his role model observed either- but his joy in what he held to his heart and spirit. Chess, baseball, ideas, competition, and being all he could be in every moment.
  
  Will he be missed! Certainly he is beyond irreplaceable in his humor, joy, fairness, and pure, pure courage. Not about his physical condition either. Not at all. But his courage to have left a forever studied for and pivotal life work choice (medicine) and taking an entirely different path in mid-age without a net- just because he knew he had chosen "wrong". His wife too. Bravery beyond words.
  
  There is an hour plus long TV program on Charles' life and on this book. It's second best to reading the book. But they have 5 or 6 of his compatriots and peers reading sections between the home movies and the past news' clips of the arena for which his copy speaks. It's outstanding to watch if you don't ever read this depth of analysis. I strongly recommend it.
  
  Some of the tracts on cloning, on the "self-examined" life, and on various other medical and philosophical past theories and uses!! They should be read by any person who holds DNA.
• 
  Dave

  Krauthammer is a singularly brilliant voice in American discourse. After so many decades, his voice has been silenced. But, in his waning months, he left us all a gift, The Point of it All, a sort of greatest hits collection of his columns in the Washington Post and the New Republic. These columns carry Krauthammer's gentlemanly voice, one that speaks to you with reason, logic, and humor, unlike so many of the shrill voices yelling today from all sides of political discourse. His columns range in date from the eighties through to 2017 and encompass many of the world events that we all lived through, particularly the fall of the Soviet Empire with a barely hearable whimper. But, the columns do not only focus on current events. Rather, be prepared for discussions about chess, about baseball, about burying his father in addition to thoughts about Reagan, about affirmative action, about disabled lifts in movie theaters, about the majesty of the Constitution, and about so many things. Easy to read thought-provoking pieces, well put together, well organized. Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.
• 
  Fred Forbes

  Civility, reason, accuracy and intelligence are hallmarks of the writing of Charles Krauthammer and to my mind what our political discourse should be. While I often disagree with his positions, being more of a "central left" political type (depending on the topic) I can only respect his comments and arguments and wish that what passes for political argument today were more in this mold. Few people have his command of the language, the logical progression of his pronouncements and his ability to distill the historical past into a cohesive and rational presentation.
  
  He will be sorely missed. He and his son have consolidated his more meaningful columns and speeches into this volume and it is a worthy tribute to one who contributed mightily to our civilization.
• 
  Robert Yokoyama

  I learned that Australia has been the only ally to the United States in every military conflict since 1914. This is one of the many things I learned from the writings of the late Charles Krauthammer. He loved the island of Australia so much that he even married a woman from Australia. Krauthammer used a wheelchair for most of his adult life, and I have used a wheelchair my entire life. He believed that not every place can be wheelchair accessible, but that will not stop me from trying to enjoy life. He points out the Kennedy Center is completely wheelchair accessible. I will make it a goal of mine to go to the Kennedy Center to see a live performance after learning this. I am inspired by the Krauthammer's thoughts about Jim Dickson He is a blind man who attempted to sail across the Atlantic Ocean, but he only managed to sail to Bermuda. Dickson came up short in reaching his goal, but it did not diminish his enjoyment of sailing because he could experience sailing using his other senses. This is the kind of writing that inspires me to try new challenges.
  
  Four Essays on Liberty by a British philosopher named Isiah Berlin is a book that he loved. Four Essays on Liberty is a book encouraged Krauthammer to learn from as many sources and experiences as possible as a young man. People who learn from many different sources are called foxes. People who learn from a primary source are called hedgehogs. I will strive to be a fox. Krauthammer advocated remaining calm at all times. He believed in self reflection, but he also believed that looking outwardly in the world to be successful. He shared this advice with college students in Montreal. This is great advice for people of any age. I really like this book.
• 
  Leslie Lewallen

  Unbelievably brilliant and well-written. Regardless of which “side” of politics you fall, Charles uses reason, logic and history to defend his analysis. The forward, written by his son, is a beautiful tribute to a man, who lived his life showing us that no matter what happens to our bodies, our mind is ours. His mind is brilliant. To me he epitomizes “fair and balanced.” This man knew history inside and out. The book essentially a compilation of op ed articles he wrote for newspapers and news outlets. Must read.
• 
  Mark Mears

  The Amazing Charles Krauthammer!
  
  I’ve been a fan of Charles Krauthammer for a long time, so I’m biased.
  
  Anyone who is a fan needs to read/listen to this book. Much of it is copies of his articles over the years. You will need a grasp of history to appreciate many of his comments, but they are as valuable today as when written.
  
  I have always been impressed by the balance and thoughtfulness of Mr. Krauthammer’s opinions, and this book bore that out even more. He covers a wide range of topics, and you will learn a great deal.
  
  There is a lot to learn about how to live a life with grace and dignity.
  
  I miss Charles Krauthammer. Thank you for publishing this book. And please keep them coming. He had such an incredible body of work over the years.
• 
  Chris

  While it’s not often a person seeks out a book of a compilation of newspaper columns, I spent my career in the journalism field (and it doesn’t hurt that I’m an avid Krauthammer fan AND agree with ever position in the book), Krauthammer’s book is the best book of compiled columns I’ve ever read (again in full disclosure, I’ve read two...the other is Michael Gartner’s, a liberal...the two are a great dichotomy).
  
  However, I’ve added Krauthammer’s book to my “Ideal bookshelf,” a compilation of the 14 (originally 12) of the best books I’ve ever read. This book is the best non-fiction I’ve ever read, and arguably, the best book I’ve ever read. I say that not because I agree with his positions, but because it is just an excellent book...and you’ll learn a lot (and that’s the point).
  
  But Krauthammer’s extremely concise writing and gift to make, what to some are excruciatingly boring topics (politics, etc.), easy to understand and enjoyable to read, provides the reader with a primer on myriad topics and a laugh now and then (Krauthammer has a wickedly dry sense of humor). How fun!
  
  
• 
  J

  There are a few bright spots here that dissuade me from handing out the one-star rating. Primary among them are cogent and intellectually consistent arguments on medical ethics, which I find to be connected indubitably to the author's deeply held views on suicide. Krauthammer's enduring passion for these topics is obviously rooted in his experiences as both a former medical doctor and a disabled man (or am I flirting too closely with his dreaded identity politics?). Correspondingly, the sense of urgency he brings to these particular debates lends a substance to his writing that is otherwise lacking in, say, his 500-word WaPo paeans to military interventionism. In fact, in a collection of almost 100 articles, I marked only one as being remarkable: a longer piece from The New Republic that systematically dismantles the would-be gravitas of a PBS documentary called Choosing Suicide, which commemorates New York City artist Jo Roman, who chose to overdose on sleeping pills after learning she had breast cancer. This article also scores the anthology's lone piece of biting wit:
  
  

  [Jo] considers this act a work of art, "the final brush stroke on the canvas of my life." It is a claim taken with utmost seriousness by her friends..."This is the greatest creative act of your life," gushes one friend. An unkind reviewer, taking note of Jo's paintings and sculptures strewn around the apartment, might concur with this judgment.

  
  
  Tellingly, this article was written in 1980: four years before Krauthammer committed himself to churning out a weekly fatalistic epistle for the Washington Post and its syndicates, and 25 years before he joined the cast of our current State Media organization, Fox News.
  
  Krauthammer seems to have died content with his life. I do find it regrettable that he did not live longer into the Trump presidency. Although he writes of his loathing for vigorous self-examination and introspection, I wonder if ever he would have addressed what I consider the greatest irony (tragedy?) of America's conservative intelligentsia: that after 80 years of urgently warning the masses about the evils of the totalitarian left, it was their own side that produced the first chief executive in American history to intone from his inaugural dais the classic maxim of the autocrat: "I alone can fix it."
• 
  Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629)

  RIP Mr. Krauthammer. What a great, decent, and intelligent man.
  
  The book is a compilation of Charles’ speeches and articles. Most are 3 pages long. It made for a great accompaniment to the current novels I’m reading. In between all my novels I’d read an article from this book. (I’m reading way too many books at once presently.).
  
  Charles has a great many instances of doling out words of wisdom. This one really resonated with me: ...”Don’t be afraid to choose, and don’t be afraid to start all over if you have to...Choose what you love. And if you don’t love what you’ve chosen, choose again.”
  
  
• 
  thewanderingjew

  The Point of It All: A Lifetime of Great Loves and Endeavors, by Charles Krauthammer, author; David Krauthammer, editor and narrator
  This book pays homage to a man with a great mind and heart. The world lost him too soon for he had much more to give. Born a Jew, he remained a Jew until he died. He showed respect for his religion, his life and his loved ones, consistently. He was not a man who vacillated between good and evil; he always tried to be just in his discussion of all issues. Charles Krauthammer could grant lucidity to any subject he chose. Regardless of whether you agreed with his position or not, his essays were always easy to follow and his presentation of ideas was logical. Emotion never dominated his essays; only his intellect controlled the words he put on paper. Overcoming his great handicap with the optimism and good nature he showed to the outside world, was additional proof of this man’s bravery and inner strength. Paralyzed when in medical school, in a freak diving accident, he went on to graduate as a psychiatrist and then became a renowned journalist respected by all who knew him or knew of him.
  When he was stricken with Cancer, and he thought he would survive, he spent 10 months in the hospital upbeat and expecting to continue his career as a journalist for The Washington Post and a contributor on Fox News. Sadly, although he made progress, and was thought to get well, his cancer became aggressive and took the life of this dignified gentlemen whose words reached the ears of millions and the eyes of many more. No one who read any essay by him could come away untouched by his love of country and honor. His humor, honesty, morality and devotion to ethics and values was evident in all he wrote, even when the subject was controversial. He was never afraid to tackle the most contentious of subjects. Often, his older essays are prescient and reflect the issues of our current day. They are insightful and easy to read. It feels almost like one is having a private conversation with this eloquent man.
  In his essays, there is something for everyone. He is conservative, but with a strong liberal and clear mind. His compassion is obvious, in his writings, and one easily understands how anything else would be impossible owing to the life he led. He covers such subjects as abortion, euthanasia, suicide, health care, civil rights, climate change, disability, politics, the freedom of speech, political correctness, immigration, affirmative action, diversity, social media, dictatorships, totalitarianism, and more.
  When Charles Krauthammer discovered that his recovery would not come to pass, he faced it with his usual integrity and courage. He asked his son Daniel to complete the book he was writing. He had compiled a series of essays for this, his last book already. In some cases, Daniel had to make some editorial changes, but knowing his father as well as he did, as close as they were, he was true to his nature. As he narrates the audio book, it is easy to forget it is Daniel and not Charles, himself, reading it. Yet when he gives the eulogy at the end, it is obvious that it is the son and not the father, in the message and in the voice of the presenter.
  Every essay stands alone as a testament to the brilliant, compassionate, analytical mind of Charles Krauthammer. The world misses his level headed analysis of the most difficult subjects.
  
  
• 
  Helga Cohen

  This book was created and compiled by Charles Krauthammer before his death and edited by his son Daniel. It contains a collection of personal, political and philosophical essays and never before published speeches. A Major essay on the populist movements on the future of global democracy was very interesting. Krauthammer was an important voice in American discourse. He wrote with civility, accuracy and intelligence. I did not always agree with many of his positions, but I can respect his views and comments and wish that more on his side felt the same today.
  
  He covers a wide range of topics. He is a conservative but with a liberal mind in many ways. He covers the topics of abortion, euthanasia, suicide, health care, civil rights, climate change, disability, politics, freedom of speech, medical ethics, Immigration, affirmative action, diversity, social media, political correctness, dictatorships, totalitarianism, and more. He reflects on the Cold War, 9/11 and the Iraq War. He did not like Obama but he was very critical of Trump. It was refreshing to read his opinions about him especially.
  
  He will be missed as a solid conservative rational voice. He and his son consolidated his more meaningful columns and speeches into a worthy tribute to him. Hs writing style can appeal to both sides of the political spectrum. It’s a book that makes you think and reflect.
  
  
• 
  Tom Grover

  Wow. What an incredibly insightful writer and mind. I have to admit that this is the first time that I've read any of Krauthammer's columns. I always thought he came off well on Fox News, but his writing is so much more powerful. Krauthammer has a gift to pithily explain the opposing view, but honestly. He presents nuance that is lacking in today's discourse.
• 
  Janet Cline

  this book is excellent. Put it on your want to read list!
• 
  Jason

  An outstanding collection of one of the indispensable political columnists, commentators, and intellectuals of the late 20th century and the first 18 years of the 21st century. You could not be indifferent to Krauthammer. Even when one disagreed with him - as I did many, many, many times (especially over Iraq and the War on Terror) - I always respected and valued him for his insights, appeals to reason, and the incandescent quality of his writing.
  
  To read this collection is to be reminded of the power of words and of a time when American conservatism was animated by ideas rather than base tribalism, nativism, and deepening affections for Putinesque authoritarianism.
  
  I give four-and-half stars to 'The Point of It All' and strongly recommend it as the politically minded of every persuasion will be enlightened.
• 
  Emily

  A wide and pretty interesting array of Krauthammer’s columns. Overall, it’s very well-written and his son’s contributions are so heartfelt. I enjoyed the sections on space and practicing medicine and American identify the most. Sometimes I was surprised by his stances and sometimes I disagreed with his arguments, but it did make me miss him and his analysis even more.
• 
  Richard Haynes

  The wisdom in this book is inspiring. This was a man that told the truth.
• 
  Robyn

  Oh, how I miss Charles Krauthammer and his wisdom. Through this audiobook, I revisited his sage, often funny, words and gained new insight on topics I was too young or not engaged enough with when they were timely. He is an American treasure. I highly, highly recommend this collection of his work.
• 
  Michael Drakich

  Having previously read Things That Matter, I had no hesitation in picking up this posthumous sequel. Once more, I was titillated by numerous stories that were either excerpts from his days at The Washington Post or were speeches by him. The man was clearly a deep thinker on issues and, though at times eloquent in his analysis, could likewise be equally blunt in an opinion. It is this dichotomy that makes reading his posts most enjoyable.
  It is a shame he is gone, and I will miss his repartee on Fox News and in the Post.
• 
  Rosemary

  Along with Things That Matter this book is a masterpiece.
• 
  Kiel

  Completely loved it.
• 
  Kenny Fleshman

  I often referred to Charles Krauthammer as “the smartest man in America” and if I found myself President he would have been my first pick for chief of staff. This book is a posthumous collection of columns, essays and editorials he wrote, arranged topically. His son put it together and, while it has merit, it’s not quite as cohesively profound as his previous book, Things That Matter. But regardless of my nitpicking, a few minutes reading Krauthammer beats a few minutes of reading most other people. And, full disclosure, I haven’t actually finished this one. I read it in sections in between other reads. This man truly knew the things that matter, and understood the point of it all.