David J. Bobb

Book Review: Humility by David J. Bobb

Book Review-Humilty by David J. Bobb
Political Science is not my favorite topic and I did not realize that this book is categorized (rightly) under that topic, so please keep that in mind as you read my review.

This book is more about national humility, not personal humility, although it explores the personal humility of several leaders from the beginnings of our country. The author has separate chapters on George Washington, James Madison, Abigail Adams, Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass.

The author’s definition of humility seems to be distilled from a myriad of sources, including some non-christian ones. In respect to what humility is, it is, Jesus and, not Jesus only, Jesus as one of many, equal in voice. That offended me. To me, true humility is so elusive and pride so pervasive, in part because that was the downfall of Satan, that the definition must come from God’s Word.

Some of this author’s biographical information appears to be mere opinion to me. How can anyone know what another person was thinking and feeling and what their motivation was? The author does have an extensive bibliography but even if you have a person’s diary you still cannot know those things. That would be opinion and conjecture.

This book was way outside of my comfort zone. It was not my style at all and too intellectual for me. The author is not a bad writer and not stupid by any stretch of the imagination but I did not enjoy reading this book nor did I glean any information useful to my current situations in life.

If you enjoy political science and early American history you may have a much pleasanter experience than I did with this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

(c) 2014 Cheryl Cope… (mer)

Title: Humility: An Unlikely Biography of America’s Greatest Virtue
Author: David J. Bobb
Pages: 228 (including index)
Year: 2013
Publisher: Nelson Books
Humility is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people: the quality or state of being humble. What do you think of or who might you think of when you hear the word humility? Is it a famous person, a celebrity, a politician or is it someone at your church, office or neighborhood? David Bobb has highlighted five famous, historical figures to demonstrate the characteristic of humility in their lives.
Part I of this book uses Benjamin Franklin, Jesus and Socrates as humility is discussed and its opposite, pride. We see these traits portrayed in Part II as short biographies are presented of George Washington, James Madison, Abigail Adams, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Some show our human inclination to be prideful and how humility was gained through their life experiences. Some had humility as part of their lives from very early on. Part III brings readers to the modern “Age of Arrogance” where Bobb points out our lack of humility today regardless of political affiliation, people groups or nations. “Franklin’s dilemma—America’s dilemma at our founding—was how to be humble and achieve greatness. Our challenge today is how to rediscover humility.”
I enjoyed taking a look at these great historical people. If you don’t like history, then this probably isn’t the book for you. This book serves as a wake-up call to our thinking today as a nation and as individual people. We all need to infuse more humility into our lives. It must be an intentional effort because most are just about looking out for themselves. This book shows what can happen when just one person shows humility and how it can benefit to everyone. Benjamin Franklin wrote as he strived to obtain humility that, “It (humility) would elude anyone, he concluded, for just as soon as someone thinks himself perfectly humble, he is likely to succumb to the temptation of pride.” How true! All-in-all, I found the book interesting. I did like the Christian worldview and the style of writing that made me slow down to read so I could take in what was presented and not just skim. For those wanting more in-depth information, readers can take advantage of the recommended readings provided.
My rating is 4 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457… (mer)