Customer Reviews

The Seventeen Traditions

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an absolute gem of a book, and the PERFECT GIFT for newlyweds.

I read it in an afternoon, and I confess to it's being a long afternoon of nagging dismay, as I reflected on how many of these lessons we have not taught our three cyber-era teenagers.

The seventeen lessons cover listening, family table, health, history, scarcity, equality, education, discipline, simple enjoyments, reciprocity, independent thinking, charity, work, business, patriotism, solitude, and civics.

While very heavily leavened with autobiographical reflections, this absolutely beautiful, moral, intelligent, well-written book is a gift to us all. For many of us it is too late--if I were starting over my kids would be banned from computers much of the time, and I would have refused the grandparents gifts of a personal TV to each child.

Bottom line: this is a keep-sake book with an enormous amount of common sense and tranditional values with none of the pontifical sanctimony usually found in such books. This is a first rate piece of work and reflection, ably presented in elegant language, and the absolutely perfect gift for all newlyweds you know. Buy ten copies. This kind of decency does not come available very often.

This is the first book I have ever read by Ralph Nader. I never expected to buy and read this book, but I heard a very short interview with Nader on TV in which he mentioned something about his book that caught my attention. On a whim I bought it and I was quite impressed by the simple intelligence that went into writing it. Nader's writing is smart without being in any way pretentious.

We all know (or think we know) who Ralph Nader is, and might be inclined to expect a "cause" book from him. But there is much at work here. This is a smart autobiography written by a private man who is looking back on his childhood. But rather than construct a temporal narrative ("I was born in ..."), Nader tries to recall 17 memorable traditions, values, or ethical practices that were a part of his childhood (family meals, learning to listen, education, discipline, etc) and describes how he learned each one and how it contributed to his moral formation.

While this is not a political book, Nader has a strongly hinted view about where we have come from, who we are, and where we appear to be headed. Nader observes, with a lifetime of experience and insight, that, in the moral, inner life of American society, we have not only not succeeded entirely in defeating the evils of Nader's childhood, but we are also in danger of abandoning or losing so much of what was good. This short reflection on a life lived is a significant contribution in the conversation that leads to stopping and reversing that trend. Anyone who is concerned about our moral substance as citizens in communities and as a society would enjoy this book.

Must read for anyone who is seriously interested in the man and how he became such a great man, even with all the challenges auto makers and others gave him. Having read about his Mothers cooking in the past I knew he came from a great family with ethical beliefs that were far from the me me me mentality so many Americans came and come from.

Appreciate his views on Patriotism in a time when putting a flag on the front porch or lapel passes for patriotism when in fact as he notes so eloquently it requires something called sacrifice starting at the local level.

And solitude. In an era when it seems most kids cant live without text messaging or some computer on when they aren't sleeping, it was so refreshing to read that Mr Naders family was like ours when it comes to appreciating silence and things like reading or playing outside.

And independent thinking which is what makes a leader not a follower, and the fact the being independent thinking may be hard at times, but not when one considers the big picture. Makes one wish he would run for President again......

The author of this book succeeds here on several levels. First, Ralph Nader explains himself well: who he is, and how he got to become who he is.

Second, the author explains how growing up in a low-media, high intensity household gave him lifelong advantages, insights, and commitments--things he might not have had he been enmeshed in movies, television shows, video games, rap music, etc.

Third, the author details the family traditions from Lebanese parents that were especially useful to him during his 45 years or so of national leadership of various causes.

Fourth, the author provides a warm evocation of a Christian Arabic family that can aid in improving understanding of Arab speaking people in and outside the United States.

The seventeen traditions that the author discovers in mining his family history are the traditions of listening, the family table, health, history, scarcity, sibling equality, education and argument, discipline, simple enjoyments, reciprocity, independent thinking, charity, work, business, patriotism, solitude and civics. These are traditions, he demonstrates, that his family lived, not just ideals that they mouthed.

Had this book been published the year before the 1992 Presidential election, when the author was toying with seeking the Democratic Presidential nomination, he could well have been a serious candidate for that nomination and changed both his political future and the direction of our country. Without pretentiousness, it shows him to be a man of depth, understanding and roots in small-town America.

The author sketches memorable portraits of his restaurant-owner and politically outspoken father; his wise, loving, and community active mother; his older brother, an attorney and community college founder; his sisters, Ph.Ds with enviable records of scholarship and academic leadership; his nephew, who has a doctorate and ecology, and two nieces, a lawyer and a Ph.D. in infectious diseases. The author certainly has a family committed to education and the welfare of us all.

Elements of the author's crusading zeal are submerged but very much present here. He refers to "these times of widespread conformity and self-censorship." Speaking of his hometwon of Winsted, Connecticut, he notes that "The air and the water became clearer after the factories closed, but the toxic soils and hollowed-out remained, economic tripwires to any new development in the area."

"Today," the author notes, "children everywhere are deprived of expsoure to nature in the same way (as only big city children used to be); they grow up with their eyes, ears, tastes and other senses trained on a corporate world of sensual visual reality--removed, as no generation in human history, from the daily flow and rhythm of history."

The book jacket notes that author was recently named by the Atlantic magazine as one of the 100 most influential figures in American history. This customer reviewer does not dispute that rating and hopes that the author will continue finding ways to speak out and positively influence the American social and political debate.

I just went to see Ralph Nader and have been inspired beyond measure. He talked about his parents, this book and then answered scores of audience questions. His attitude is humble. his explanations simple and understandable, his solutions are fair, well-researched and global. He is truly one of the most influential and motivational muses of our age. He is very well-known and admired by activists overseas who crave democracy.

I was handed this book as I walked into the auditorium. Donated by Traditions Bookstore in Olympia, WA. I looked inside. It is signed by Ralph Nader. "For the children, Ralph Nader" I cannot think of selling it. I love that man. Diane

This "big, little book" is a must-read for parents of young children. To those who harbor a lingering resentment against Ralph Nader for erroneously believing that it was he alone who handed George W. Bush the presidency in 2000, I strongly urge you to get over it. Future historians will appraise this man's good deeds for the American common person in a far more positive light than today. That Nader took the road less traveled is clearly explained in this gem of a work. The answer is quite simple: his parents, Nathra and Rose. Role models for how to raise children with love for each other,their parents and Nature; and later,to extend that childhood ambience to become caring adults whose main focus in life is concern for others--the human family, the global family, the environment---all under the banner of social justice. A four-hour read that is sure to change your perspective on family life.

When was the last time that you read a book and upon finishing it, wanted to read it over again, perhaps aloud, with a family member? This timely book is for sharing. Written by Ralph Nader, former candidate for President who is best known as a crusader for everything from tax reform and clean air to the seat belts you buckle everyday, this eloquent little book candidly recounts his experiences growing up with his Lebanese parents in a small New England town. Nader describes the seventeen traditions he was nurtured and raised on. These traditions include listening, the family table, sibling equality, independent thinking, patriotism and the enjoyment of simple things.

The landscape maybe New England, but the sensibility is all Old World warmth. Nader's parents strove for a relationship with their children that was mutually rewarding, and where communication was definitely a two way street. From the political banter at the dinner table and at his uncle's restaurant, to his mother's civic activities and forthright observations, to the devastation and resurrection of their town in the aftermath of Hurricane Diane, the Naders built strong connections with their children and with their community. Nader writes, "At school we learned facts. At home my parents taught us "character" which the ancient philosopher Heracletus called "destiny". For us they gave new meaning to the word "homework."

Nader urges the reader to "revisit the lessons passed on in your own family" and offers examples from his own family experience through the ancient and timeless traditions that his parents imparted to their children. "Such family traditions challenge the notion that the fads, technologies, how-to-manuals and addictions of modern life have somehow taken the place of the time tested wisdom fashioned in the crucibles of earlier generations."

If you ever wondered what catalyzed Ralph Nader to follow the path he has, this book contains the answers. Even better, if you'd like to reconnect with your own traditions, this work is sure to be a catalyst for reflection. Articulate, warm and even humorous, Seventeen Traditions is a surprising modern day parable that's worth sharing with your kids.

I read the book after a deep look at my family and our behaviors while thinking about the future of my nearly grown children. This book is a reminder of specific traditions that become markers and guideposts in how we live, and what we live for. As an older man, with nearly grown children, I enjoyed the book but, I would especially recommend it to young couples planning to start a family.

The Seventeen Traditions may be Ralph Nader's most important book since Unsafe at Any Speed. It isn't about policy. It isn't about politics. It is an autobiographical reflection on Nader's childhood and upbringing. It is a quick read that explains how the love of committed parents and siblings, mixed with small town living, created the solid emotional foundation that allowed Ralph Nader to become Ralph Nader. The book isn't just about the Nader family. Rather, though the autobiographical process, Nader extols the timeless virtues of family, hard work, civic engagement, and the power of love.

Full disclosure: I have co-authored 4 books with Nader and consider him a close friend. My relationship with Nader, I think, gives me some insight into how good this book really is. For those who want to see what he is like when the klieg lights are off and the cameras aren't rolling, this book comes as close as anything I have seen. (My only regret is that it doesn't adequtely reflect his sharp sense of humor.)

Agree or disagree with Nader, love or hate him, The Seventeen Traditions is a must read for young and old alike. I think it is especially suitable for young people as a tool to validate the importance of idealism and selfless service.

Relax and take time to read this thoughtful inspiring autobiography. It will make you think about your own life, your own special gifts, and encourage you to reach out and help others in your community.

The Nader family is remarkable and Ralph shares much of what he learned in the form of seventeen traditions. All of us can appreciate these lessons. I particularly loved the proverbs!

This small book with easy to read print is perfect for gift giving. New parents will be inspired and grateful. The last sentence in the book is: "If today's parents are to fulfill their acknowledged desire to leave each generation stronger and healthier than its predecessorm, cultivating these transcendent family traditions is a good place to begin." I agree!