Henry Cabot Lodge (1850–1924)

Mixed bag. Lots of facts dropping without a clear purpose. A fresh approach to a series of sensitive issues. Smart and fun to read.
It's less sciency than you'd expect from a pop science book. Lacks clarity and is a bit repetitive at times.

I was going to rate it 3 but there are a few things that stuck with me and are pushing my finger towards the 4th star.

One is that expression he used "unexpected as finding bird shit in the cuckoo clock".

The other being the idea that "trying to convince a religious person that there's no God is as useful as trying to save fish from drowning". I believe he meant it mainly in the sense of "risky for the fish" but also a tiny little bit in the sense of "waste of time".

I think I'll read more Frans de Waal.… (mere)

Very informative reading! The editor of the series (American Statesmen Series) says in his note that the author (Henry C Lodge) is the descendant of an intimate friend of Hamilton!

In today's political climate, with so many wanting to do away with the Electoral College (because it's not democratic) it's great to learn why it was instituted - Hamilton's hatred of democracy, with France's revolution an indicator of what happens when democracy is instituted (anarchy!) is emphasized. Hamilton had a lot to do with the way our country is managed, or at least, how it was set up to be managed. Much has deteriorated since his death.

Another interesting fact given is that in defense of the Constitution against democracy, he encourages the formation of an association, "The Christian constitutional Society" to support Christian religion & the Constitution of the United States! Where do people get the idea that the US was not founded on Christian principles?… (mere)