Customer Reviews

Standing for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes

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I wasn't sure about this book, so I read all the reviews. Some folks liked the message (from the readership profile, mostly in Mormon strongholds), others appeared to object to the message because the author is a Mormon leader. I found the message to be simple and direct, sincere and uplifting.

It wasn't particularly original, but I'm not sure that's really a fault...the principles were already ancient when Jesus was quoting them during his time, and they are shared by most religions. There's a great hunger for this kind of message (even presented as chicken soup for the soul). Why fight about the messenger? Besides, it seems to me that any 90 year old guy who has been in the public eye for a long time but hasn't been attached to a major scandal and is still going strong might have something to say. I think he says it alright. Reminds me of what my grandfather used to tell me. I'm approaching grandfather status myself, and I'll probably say the same things to my grandkids. Seems right to me.

I finished reading this book yesterday.

After 25 years in law enforcement, I have seen the "dark side" of America. Any person, Christian, Jew, Athiest, Buddist or of whatever belief or non-belief, could do well in living the principles presented in this book.

I had thousands of negative contacts while working the streets of Phoenix as a police officer. Every one of those negative contacts can be attributed to a violation of one or more of these principles. The prisons are full of people who have not been taught, or, who have failed to live, the principles in this book.

What would the world be like if starting here in America, we could live these virtues.

I read the previous reviews and it seems many are hung up on the messenger. Why should it matter who delivers the truth. Either we would be better off being honest or not. Either we would be better off being morally clean or not. Either we would be better of being civil to each other or not.

Is it possible to live these principles every day. I don't think so. Would we all be better off trying to live them every day. Yes. If we fail to live them today, we can try again tomorrow. After all, forgiveness and mercy are virtues. If we forgive ourselves for our shortcomings today, we can try again.

Will Rogers once spoke about money and getting interest for money placed in a bank. He said "Them that gets it, gets it, and them that don't, don't."

This book is that way.

"Standing for Something" is a masterpiece. Hinckley not only writes amazingly well, but what he has to say is truly amazing. While others focus pessimistically on many of the problems of society, Hinckley shares proven solutions that anyone can implement. A must read for all those willing to make a difference in the world.

As someone who is politically left of center, I must admit I felt uneasy when I started reading Hinckley's book. His expressed belief that divine inspiration led at least in part to the founding of the United States and some of his other statements made me fear that this book would sound like something from the religious right.

But, fortunately, Hinckley isn't like some of this country's outspoken religious leaders. Hinckley didn't use this book to condemn those he disagrees with, nor to advocate forcing his views of morality on others, but to inspire readers to follow their consciences, to do the best they can with what they have and what they know.

And that's what I ended up appreciating about this book. Most of us (at least everyone I know) are imperfect, and there are those around who try to make us to better by seeking to make us feel guilty. But not Hinckley. Instead he seeks to rekindle in us a vision to live a good life filled with virtues including love, forgiveness, commitment, and service.

I've had the privilege of hearing Hinckley speak (once in person, several times on TV), and (for what it's worth) I have no doubt he wrote this book himself. He comes across in the book just like the person he is -- genuine and caring.

This book isn't perfect. Like I said, I struggled with the beginning, and there are times that Hinckley seems to upbeat, so positive, that his ideas almost seem unrealistic.

But overall, I found the book, even though it's a fairly light read, to be inspiring. I finished reading the book wanting to live in the best way possible.

I have had my problems with the church over the years, and with my feelings about it, but the truth is the truth. I have been on both sides of the issue, and what Hinckley espouses is the only true course to happiness in this life. I have been a member for most of my life, and yes about a year ago I had considered having my name removed by what I considered to be the errors of this man made church, but looking around the world, I truly didn't see anything else that could bring me anymore peace in my life. Despite what your feelings are about the church, or how simplistic you may feel the book is, it is truth. I know because I have trampled the majority of the virtues for a good part of my life, and not finding happiness that is lasting, I have found that happiness is found by living these principles. It may be simplistic, but weren't Jesus's parables? He was not writing for a university audience, or to impress you with grand language, but was writing so that a majority of people could understand his message. A prophet of God doesn't need to write in complex language when he is trying to be understood. The truth is simple, I just wish I had known it before I almost lost my marriage and family over it.

What great words of wisdom for all. The 10 virtues that Gordon B. Hinckley discusses in his book "Standing for Something", are prime reminders of what ailes this country. If more people would hold strong to these virtues, discuss them as families and then promote them in their homes, their work, our government and on the street, we would have a much better place to live. I think this should be required reading for every politician, school teacher, business owner and lawyer. Every couple planning marriage should use this book as a guideline to establish a solid foundation of love in their home and plan early to instill in their children these simple virtues, and the generations to come will be better suited to handle the mess we have left them. I whole heartedly recommend this book. Study it and apply its principles. You'll be a happier person for doing so.

I could not believe how good this book was! The chapter on honesty was especially brilliant. Gordon Hinckley has offered a great guide to life that if followed, will lead to happiness. We live in a world of "moral relativism" where morals are relative to whatever an individual wants them to be. Hinckley shows that "old fashioned values" are not old fashioned at all, and he details how society is quickly downfalling because of our ignorance and even disdain for these values. Perhaps critics would have a right to call the virtues that he champions outdated and harmful if they could show that we as a society are better because of the so called "progress" we've made in moving away from these values. In fact, poll after poll, survey after survey shows that Americans believe we are worse off than we ever have been before. Hinckley shows us that we can have hope and that we can get on the right track!

With their lack of objectivity vis-à-vis this book, many of the previous reviewers make me wonder if they've read it at all. In possible contrast to some of them, I actually did read the book this weekend at a friend's house.

Readers who would praise self-improvement books of other stripes have no reason to demur at this "light read" by the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Judge the values Hinckley espouses for yourself: love, honesty, morality, civility, learning, forgiveness and mercy, thrift and industry, order, gratitude, optimism, faith. Not only are they not exclusive to Mormons or Christians, but I would posit that even most irreligious people would find little fault with any of those attributes, save perhaps faith. Hinckley himself repeats two or three times that he is "a churchman", so finding faith on the list is no surprise.

Hinckley had an extensive public relations background within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before and after accepting leadership responsibilities so no one should doubt his capacity to author this book. That being said, it is also patently clear that Hinckley chose to write "Standing for Something" at about a Reader's Digest level--which in itself is no bad thing. Most casual readers aren't looking for Augustine or Aquinas. If they were, then Chopra and Covey wouldn't sell.

It is naïve and highly myopic to suggest that this is one of the best books ever written, but it is equally dishonest to pan it as sheer pablum. The truth is that the book is an accessible and straightforward review of principles presented in a manner that is for the most part engaging, if not particularly complex. If you are looking for a more intellectual treatment of ethics or morality, then you should already be aware that you are shopping in the wrong department. If you are looking for a casual read that reinforces principles of good living, then this will meet your needs.

This book reminds me of Bennett's Book of Virtues. Easily read in a few sittings. Excellent aggregation of facts and stories. A must read for all who believe in the divine nature of the human spirit and a higher authority to whom we all must make an accounting. Hinckley shows himself to be among the top moralists of the decade. I would like to see more books in this genre from Schuller, Bennett, Hinckley, etc. Great pick-me up.

Gordon B. Hinckley stands for something,and his illustrations of neglected virtues should not only be read, but studied. The plan outlined in its pages speak of love, honor, integrity and all things positive. As quickly as Hinckley's book has climbed the best-seller list, it is obvious he has struck a deep and resonant chord, giving voice to values that many have long held dear. It invites the reader to not only proclaim, but to also live these virtues, and know that our voices will be joined by an enthusiastic chorus of fellow lovers of virtue. In a time when seemingly every newscast or article takes its audience to new depths, Gordon Hinckley allows that there is still a higher road that can and should be traveled, and invites the reader to join him in that journey. I'm packed and ready to go with him.