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57th out of 191 books
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Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street
by
Jim Wallis
When we start with the wrong question, no matter how good an answer we get, it won’t give us the results we want. Rather than joining the throngs who are asking, When will this economic crisis be over? Jim Wallis says the right question to ask is How will this crisis change us?
The worst thing we can do now, Wallis tells us, is to go back to normal. Normal is what got
...moreHardcover, 160 pages
Published
January 5th 2010
by Howard Books
(first published December 26th 2009)
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I like Jim Wallis, and I was saddened to see him show up on Glenn Beck's maniacal chalkboard a year or two ago. Wallis is a dedicated Evangelical Christian whose sole concern in this world seems to be helping poor people. Yes, he's become quite associated with the Democratic Party since 2004, but whatever. I tend to disagree with some of Rev. Wallis's conclusions since he tends to fall back on the tried and true liberal mantra of "more taxes/more spending/more government," but this boo...more
Genre: Christian but only cites scripture on occasion. This is an amazing book, pointing out how the rich have gotten richer (e.g., the CEOs of Fortune 400s own 50% of America's wealth; the CEO of WalMart makes a paltry $17.5 million a year, so earns in every 2 weeks what the average WalMart worker makes in his/her lifetime) and the poor are, well, unemployed with little hope. Wallis talks about how Wall Street has taken over: we've been hoodwinked into thinking that if we work hard, buy a h...more
This is the beginning of a conversation that may shape the next decade of American life. In the midst of the economic crisis and the sins of Wall Street, Wallis calls for us to reconsider what we value most and reorient our lives to reflect that. He also brings a prophetic tone to the forum, criticizing government and economic leaders for their handling of the Great Recession (Peter Morici's term).
It is a good book that speaks to a broad audience, and we would all do well to conside...more
It is a good book that speaks to a broad audience, and we would all do well to conside...more
NPR interviewed the author a few weeks ago and I loved the interview. I downloaded it and had my husband listen to it and we enjoyed it so much. I immediately reserved the book from the library (glad I didn't buy it). It was a disappointment. My recommendation is to skip the book and just listen to the interview. The same research and stories are told, minus all the self-congratulatory authorial comments. It wasn't particularly well written, although I think the idea is right on.
While I found this to be a good read, it was too simplistic for me. His arguments about what is wrong and caused the recession I've heard from many others. I wanted more on what changes people could make both personally and as a society. Short on that. Does a good job of showing the lack or morals/values by the leaders of many businesses and the problems of wage loss and income inequality at a level seen only prior to the great depression. Those who need to read this book to concentrate on ...more
Lynn Ferina
added it
I thought it was a great book. A lesson for the faith community to become involved and speak out about your values. Let the politicians know how you feel and that you want to know what their values are before you vote for them. If there was ever a book to read for this economic crisis, to better understand the countries need to rediscover their values to save our nation, it's this book. A great book to motivate you to action. Read it Now.
I agree with many of the other reviewers. The message is necessary - we have been a consumer culture for decades, and now we see the bad effects (recession, anyone?).
The writing style, however, is a bit simplistic and, at times, repetitive. However, Jim Wallis uses great examples (WalMart CEO makes BILLIONS of dollars every year) and anecdotes to paint of a picture of how we are called to live sustainably, simply, and holistically.
This is message worth spreading to busi...more
The writing style, however, is a bit simplistic and, at times, repetitive. However, Jim Wallis uses great examples (WalMart CEO makes BILLIONS of dollars every year) and anecdotes to paint of a picture of how we are called to live sustainably, simply, and holistically.
This is message worth spreading to busi...more
I skimmed this book. I found a lot in it that was common sense but needed to be said and can be used as a national dialogue to restore a better feeling in the US. We need to get rid of the "greed is good" and "look out for #1" mentalities and focus on "we're in it together." The author, a religious leader, makes the point that the consumer society that we have is antithetical to Christianity.
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Timely, refreshing, practical and prophetic, Wallis challenges us to learn from the Great Recession by rediscovering and embracing the values our faith teaches us, value lost in our "greed is good" culture. He makes the case for a healthy, balanced collaboration between public and private sectors (government and business), joined by the faith community, and challenges us as individuals to make sustainable choices and sew seeds of growth for a new economy.
Maybe it is because I have read so much Jim Wallis has written, but I didn't find much new or "exciting" in this book. But it is a good book with a lot of important content. It is also a timely book, as it deals directly with the economic problems in the U.S. now.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those who haven't read much by Jim Wallis.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those who haven't read much by Jim Wallis.
I was originally put off by the God factor, but I'm glad I stuck with it. It's about building a moral core and putting beliefs and working for the common good instead of the bottom line. Not at all preachy (unless you are a die-hard, right-wing capitalist) and you gotta love a preacher who uses quotes from Jon Stewart and Louis C.K. to backup some of his points.
A bit disappointing, especially after God's Politics, but an important message just the same. A very quick read that would work nicely as a book group book (though I'm sure some of the more conservative ladies would be scandalized).
Excellent read on what is wrong with our country's state of business. Highly recommend it. One caveat: it's a macro level discussion with some micro useful suggestions. Not a practical use book. More high level.
The current economic crisis is an opportunity for us to re-evaluate our priorities and values.
Widsith
marked it as to-read
Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street by Jim Wallis (2010)
This was a very interesting book and I look forward to reading more of his.
I am not a business person, but I am touched and enlightened by the love and wisdom of Jim Wallis - business wisdom, spiritual wisdom and life wisdom. He is my new mentor. Oh, what a country we could be if he was every business person's mentor.
Jim Wallis is Jim Wallis. He's a good motivator, and I enjoy the action steps in the last chapter of the book. We all have a responsibility in creating a new economy based on PEOPLE not PROFIT, and he touches on that concept often.
Supports my working with Health Care Reform and educational advocacy. I am hoping that my church uses it as a book study. Reading it in between my school reads
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