Living, leading, and the American dream / John W. Gardner ; edited by Francesca Gardner ; foreword by Bill Moyers.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gardner, John W. (John William), 1912-2002.

Contributor:

Gardner, Francesca, 1940-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political participation--United States.

Political participation.

United States.

Civil society--United States.

Civil society.

Social values--United States.

Social values.

Physical Description:

xxvii, 244 pages ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

San Francisco : Jossey-Bass, [2003]

Summary:

"Liberty and duty, freedom and responsibility. That's the deal." John W. Gardner's life was dedicated to revitalizing the American Dream, a dream that must be recreated by each generation of caring citizens as they reshape it to meet the unrolling future. Now more than ever, citizens must step up and take action to create the world in which we want to live. Living, Leading, and the American Dream is an inspiration-and a call to action. Beginning with an exploration of Gardner's life and values in his own words, this stirring and engaging collection shares Gardner's vision on personal renewal, community, leadership, and civic engagement. The essays and speeches collected in this transformational volume are founded on Gardner's belief that we as a people want freedom-freedom at home as well as a world where freedom is possible. They are founded on his deep belief in the dignity and worth of the individual and on his unshakable resolve to protect and preserve that dignity. They are founded on his belief that men and women should be empowered to achieve the best that is in them, and that we are the declared enemies of all conditions such as disease, ignorance, or poverty that stunt the individual and prevent such fulfillment. And they are founded on the fact that achieving these goals is difficult and requires the commitment of all citizens. The essays in Living, Leading, and the American Dream move from individual to community to society, offering Gardner's vision on the role of the individual in attaining the greater good. Leaders of innovative organizations, civic leaders, and concerned citizens will find guidance and inspiration in Gardner's unique vision of every citizen's responsibility and capacity to make a difference.

Contents:

Part 1 A Life in Action

and Reflection

1 Glimpses of My Life 3

2 In the President's Cabinet 11

3 Leading Common Cause 29

Part 2 The Courage to Live and Learn

4 Personal Renewal 41

5 How to Tell When You've Grown Up 55

6 The Fourth Maxim 57

7 Touch the Earth 61

8 The Qualities of Creativity 65

Part 3 The Release of Human Possibilities

9 Commitment and Meaning 75

10 Motivation and the Triumphant Expression of Talent 85

11 The Full Expression of Human Excellence 93

12 Our Moral and Spiritual Lineage 103

Part 4 Leading and Managing

13 The Nature of Leadership 113

14 The Tasks of Leadership 127

15 The Heart of Leadership 143

Part 5 Renewing Our Society

16 The American Experiment 159

17 Building Community 175

18 Leading Community 195

19 The Independent Sector 205

20 The American Dream 213

21 Freedom and Obligation, Liberty and Duty 219.

Notes:

"Published with the support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 233-238) and index.

ISBN:

0787966789

OCLC:

51854642