4 min read ⌚ 

What We Can All Do to Save America’s Future

Author Ben Carson is deeply worried about America’s future.

In the following summary, we give an overview of those worries, along with some of the “cures” he presents in his book “One Nation.”

Who Should Read “One Nation”? and Why?

America has many problems: from media and ignorance to faith and morality. Not talking about it does not mean that they do not exist.

Ben Carson takes a stand and raises his voice against America’s most pressing issues. He presents a down to earth worldview and advice which can help deal with them.

We recommend “One Nation” to people interested in politics, as well as those concerned about the future of America.

About Ben Carson and Candy Carson

Ben Carson is a neurosurgeon who was thinking about running for president in 2016.

Candy Carson is the co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund and the author’s wife.

“One Nation Summary”

Have you ever been in a situation in which you wanted to say something but were unsure if it is politically correct?

So you stayed silent.

But, let us tell you, that was a mistake.

Political correctness forbids people to speak freely about an increasing number of topics. It is not fruitful; in fact, all it does is prevent discussions that can move nations forward.

So what does America suffer from?

The first problem that comes across is ignorance of history.

Understanding and remembering the history means to understand the country’s foundations.

Many people nowadays do the opposite. Take religion for example. So many secular progressives not only forget the importance religion had in building America, but they also try to remove it from the modern human’s life.

Another form of ignorance is bigotry. In other words, the more sheltered one is, the less he will understand the perspectives of those who are unfamiliar to him.

Bigotry results in ruined social relationships and blindness in front of the real issues we should deal with instead.

Now, the author really worries about America’s future. Why?

Well, he first got worried when his friends, who were wealthy people, became victims of changes that led them to have little to leave to their children.

He draws a parallel with America. Just like his friends, America has little to leave to its children (except national debt).

America is climbing a dangerous mountain along with its debt. Soon it will have to adopt fiscal responsibility to survive. Yes, it might be unpleasant, but at least it grants survival.

But if things are that bad, what can we do? What can America do?

First, the country needs to stand up to bullying by the bigots, restless spenders, and liberal elites.

Next, we should welcome disagreement. We need to find mutual respect for different opinions, which means refraining from name-calling even when angry.

Why is respect so important?

Because when parties respect each other, they will see past their disagreements, identify what is important to them, and find a compromise.

Furthermore, the country should make a culture of learning. Learning is not only important for finding a job, but for creating a healthy society and political system as well.

What we mean is that politicians almost always take advantage of ignorant voters. So, understanding of science, finance, current events and past trends allows citizens to evaluate the truthfulness of politician’s promises and governance.

Education also leads to success and prosperity.

But keep in mind that expertise is not the same as wisdom.

Many educated people hardly make a living, while others find success despite never finishing university. This, of course, does not mean that higher education should not be pursued, but it does show that using knowledge is more significant than just attaining it.

Key Lessons from “One Nation”

1.      Don’t Give a Person Bread – Teach Him How to Make It
2.      The Need to Rehearse
3.      Questioning Morality

Don’t Give a Person Bread – Teach Him How to Make It

If you help someone by giving them some money, you are not helping them. Similarly, when providing handouts, the country keeps its citizens poor, by building dependency on donations in exchange for votes.

This is not a solution to the problem.

People used to handouts do not want to work, even if they are healthy and able to take care of themselves.

They learned to behave and think like that, so they can unlearn it. How?

By letting people take responsibility for their own choices.

Finding Real Role Models

You probably had a role model while you were growing up. We all did when we were children. Many of us still do as adults.

However, times have changed and the people children look up to do little to intellectually contribute to the world we live in.

Help your kid look for a better role model.

Parents, teachers, inventors, historical figures are all persons who make a change and hence serve as an excellent example for your kid.

Questioning Morality

What is right and what is wrong? How do we determine it?

These questions are eternal and do not only influence the individual but the country too.

In the past Americans looked to God to guide them through hard times and moral dilemmas. But, as time goes by, religion loses its spotlight.

In times of confusion, such as the times we live in, looking to God for answers may be just what we need.

Like this summary? We’d Like to invite you to download our free 12 min app, for more amazing summaries and audiobooks.

“One Nation” Quotes

Our Critical Review

Ben Carson is an influential figure who put his views on building a new, better world in “One Nation.” You may not agree with everything he writes, but what is important is that the text is thought-provoking and flows nicely.

Emir Zecovic

Emir is the Head of Marketing at 12min. In his spare time, he loves to meditate and play soccer.