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

Charles Krauthammer was one of the leading spokesmen for conservatism in recent decades, but his columns explored much more than just politics. "The Point of It All" is edited by Krauthammer's son, Daniel, and contains many of the most vital Krauthammer columns from the Washington Post and other publications, and also contains a commencement address, other addresses, and a never-before-published essay. Krauthammer was a great defender of liberty and the Constitution. He expressed admiration for nineteenth-century classical liberal John Stuart Mill, stating that Mill "held that truth emerges from an unfettered competition of ideas and that individual character is most improved when allowed to find its own way." The author acknowledges that life in a free society can be challenging; because the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties, each citizen must find meaning and purpose on his or her own, in contrast to authoritarian societies of the Left or Right that crush liberty by assigning meaning and purpose by forcibly enlisting their subjects into a politics of meaning of some sort or other. Before becoming a columnist, Krauthammer was a doctor, spending seven years as a practicing psychiatrist. Columns in this volume examine ethical issues in medicine, and the author describes how society is breaking the implicit contract it has with its physicians and why many doctors are leaving the profession. Social issues have been at the fore of public debate since the Eighties and Krauthammer wrote about many of them. He also wrote columns on individuals such as Thomas Jefferson, Ronald Reagan, and John Paul II, and there are wide-ranging pieces on baseball, chess, war memorials, space travel, science, and religion. The author highlights the importance of America's role in facing down the totalitarianisms of the last century and warns against tribalism and precipitous withdraw from the world. He critiques both Obama and Trump when he thinks appropriate but argues in other columns that American institutions in the second decade of the twenty-first century are more resilient than many think. "The Point of It All" also includes the author's advice to the young, his farewell column, and a eulogy by his son. Whatever your politics, and whether you disagree on this point or that, Charles Krauthammer is vital reading. He states that "you're betraying your whole life if you don't say what you think—and you don't say it honestly and bluntly." Krauthammer spent decades saying what he thought, doing so in a superb writing style and offering striking, original observations while he did.

This book is a pleasure to read, and helps me get to know better one of the greatest minds of the past 50 years. Charles' son Daniel Krauthammer has done a masterful job of presenting his father’s final book. I have read Dr. Krauthammer‘s column for 20 years, after seeing him as a news commentator. Just as he was in person, Charles in his insightful writing explains complicated issues in a clear, logical manner. I don’t always agree with him, but I respect him, and am happy to read views other than my own, especially written by someone who takes the time to explain rationally how he reached his position. Krauthammer isn’t overly wordy, in fact, his columns are very short, limited to 1000 words, I think. Chapters are generally no more than 2-1/2 pages. Which is nice when reading about politics: short chapters! Krauthammer didn't have the overwhelming need to hear himself speak at length. His writing is the same way. It is poetic, not just in the words he chooses, but also in the way poetry is thrifty with words: he includes the important ones, and leaves out the rest. The first column in the book, “Reveries of a Newborn Father” is worth the price of the book. His articles about baseball and chess - two subjects of which I know little - inspire me to learn chess and go to a baseball game. A pleasure to read, even through tears at losing this magnificent mind. A great book to read a chapter at night before bed.

Just finished a wonderful book, unfortunately the last book written by Charles Krauthammer called” The Point of it All”. I have long admired his insightful writing, but this collection of his best articles and speeches is outstanding! His wit and wisdom is impressive and his writing style is easy to read, but best read with time allowed for reflection. His intellect is on full display when arguing for conservative principles based on the Constitution. I pity the unsuspecting liberal who attempted to debate against him. I fully support his criticism of liberal thinking and specifically Obama, but I also appreciate his honest and critical comments when Republicans stray from conservative principles. The diversity of topics he covers in the book was a sign of his personal curiosity, ranging from sports (especially baseball) to religion to domestic and foreign policy. I enjoyed his sense of history and his ability to relate current events in historical context. I enjoyed his frequent criticism of his former career as a physician and specifically a psychologist. I generally find physicians need to be a bit more modest and better grounded to the limits of their “practice”. Loved his use of quotes from Churchill and his distain for the French. I got rather emotional to read the last section, A life without regrets. To face death with grace and a full appreciation of what is really important in his life was his wife and family. I can only hope to handle my own passing with similar grace.

Me ha gustado, es un libro bien echo, el producto ha venido al día, nuevo en perfecto estado..

- your father would be very proud of how this was finished. He was a wonderful man!

Loved the book. Easy reading and so worthwhile.

Worth every moment of the read. Profound wisdom and brilliant insights

It is wonderful to be in touch with such a mind