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Up from the Projects: An Autobiography
Nationally syndicated columnist and prolific author Walter E. Williams recalls some of the highlights and turning points of his life. From his lower middle class beginnings in a mixed but predominantly black neighborhood in West Philadelphia to his department chair at George Mason University, Williams tells an “only in America” story of a life of achievement.
Hardcover, 150 pages
Published
December 1st 2010
by Hoover Institution Press
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Dr. Williams is the anti-anti-establishment.
Himself a product of the projects, as the title indicates, Dr. Williams tells his story of how his race and class mattered to achieving what he has thus far.
Unlike today's rhetoric vouching for greater affirmative action and other interventionist programs from the government, Williams asserts that such programs have led to poorer performance in the communities they were applied to. For example, in his own neighborhood in Philadelphia, the students to...more
Himself a product of the projects, as the title indicates, Dr. Williams tells his story of how his race and class mattered to achieving what he has thus far.
Unlike today's rhetoric vouching for greater affirmative action and other interventionist programs from the government, Williams asserts that such programs have led to poorer performance in the communities they were applied to. For example, in his own neighborhood in Philadelphia, the students to...more
Walter Williams begins his autobiography as one might expect, discussing his childhood. One that began in the "projects" in Philadelphia. What one does not expect and what sets the tone for his life and his story is his answer to the question he poses: "What was it like to grow up poor?" He immediately says, "we didn't consider ourselves poor; in fact, being called poor was an insult."(p 4) Thus he turns conventional thinking on its head and alerts the reader that his life and ideas will be unco...more
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You quickly understand that this book is witten by an economist and not a fine arts teacher. He becomes angry about teachers who make excuse for poorly written, bad grammar and mispelled words in work by black students. He indicated one black student who became angery that he gave an F for a paper in which a liberal professor had given an A and had written a lot of affirming remarks. Willaims says the answer is to give extra tutorial time to help the student and not to give grades that are unear...more
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This is a quick read. It is not deep, but makes a few deep points.
The most significant point that I can recall most obviously is this: Williams says that it was very common for him and his friends to work at part time jobs growing up. This was especially important for young Black youths in his neighborhood (in Philadelphia). They worked not just for money, but employment also was an opportunity to build self-respect and self-efficacy. Those in his circle who were not good in school, from a lowe...more
Santa Claus left this book under my Christmas tree in 2010. It's a terrific lazy-day-in-pajamas read.
I admit I'm prejudiced in favor of Walter Williams. He's always saying things that make sense to me. I spent some of my growing up years in post World War II housing projects in Pennsylvania and later in Ohio, and Williams might have been describing my own experiences, except that back then neighborhoods were racially segregated. (I, by the way, lived in a two bedroom/one bathroom apartmentof may...more
I admit I'm prejudiced in favor of Walter Williams. He's always saying things that make sense to me. I spent some of my growing up years in post World War II housing projects in Pennsylvania and later in Ohio, and Williams might have been describing my own experiences, except that back then neighborhoods were racially segregated. (I, by the way, lived in a two bedroom/one bathroom apartmentof may...more
1 like · like · see review
This biography is brief, but I don't see that as being a drawback. Williams covers the main points of his life and worldview without delving into needless details. It's an inspiring message, well-delivered with just the right amount of anecdotes and self-deprecating humor.
Of course, Williams is an impassioned proponent for libertarian-leaning economics, and most readers will know this going in. I think it helps to be sympathetic to this worldview, but I believe even liberal readers will have to...more
Of course, Williams is an impassioned proponent for libertarian-leaning economics, and most readers will know this going in. I think it helps to be sympathetic to this worldview, but I believe even liberal readers will have to...more
I picked this book up at the library because I like autobiographies. I had never heard of the author. He is an economist who leans toward libertarian ideology. He was a person with a strong personality. As a young person in the military, I think he had some annoying behaviors, but he eventually relaxed a bit. This book shows that through hard work, you can achieve a lot. However, it comes at a price for a black person who doesn't have the same philosophies as the majority of the people like hims...more
The always independent and amusing Dr. Williams' very short biography is fun to read and there were a few times I laughed aloud. It portrays the life of poor black Americans when families were still intact, and work was readily available for teenagers. Although he is a conservative economist of the Milton Friedman school (I am really simplifying here), he maintains his own unique take on a wide variety of subjects. Until he married, Mr Williams was in trouble with the law and with every sort of...more
Walter Williams and Thomas Sowell both grew up poor, even though they are middle-class now. So the criticism of some liberals that they know nothing about poverty is invalid. Walter Williams made it on his merits, so the criticism of some liberals that Williams is a hypocrite for criticizing affirmative action is invalid. Williams, in fact, tried to avoid being the beneficiary of affirmative action. It is demeaning to African Americans who have made it without the benefit of racial preferences t...more
Books by men and women who started life with two strikes against them and managed to make something of themselves interest me and inspire me. Walter Williams' memoir fits well in that category.
From the book cover:
"From his lower-middle-class beginnings in a mixed but predominantly black neighborhood in West Philadelphia to his department chairmanship at George Mason University, the life of Walter E. Williams is an "only in America" story of achievement. In Up from the Projects, this nationally...more
From the book cover:
"From his lower-middle-class beginnings in a mixed but predominantly black neighborhood in West Philadelphia to his department chairmanship at George Mason University, the life of Walter E. Williams is an "only in America" story of achievement. In Up from the Projects, this nationally...more
I love Walter Williams and had the honor of meeting him briefly back in 2004. Maybe I expected too much, but I was underwhelmed by "Up from the Projects". It does have its moments when the Walter Williams I looked for reveals himself, but those are usually when he departs from storytelling and discusses ideas. His accomplishments are admirable, especially considering the obstacles presented his race in his younger years. If you wonder where he came from, this will give you some answers. If you w...more
Walter Williams' autobiography is a very short read. I finished it in three days. Williams writes well and he certainly has had many experiences worth sharing. His unique perspective on discrimination during the 50s and 60s are interesting. I'd recommend this book to anyone, especially someone who hasn't read a biography recently.
I always look forward to reading Walter Williams' columns in the paper or on the internet. Williams grew up with his single mom after his father deserted the family. Williams later received his PhD in economics and is currently on the faculty at George Mason University in Northern Virginia. He is a common sense conservative with some interesting ideas.
If you like this interview, you will like his book:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=...
If you don't like his interview, you should read his bo...more
If you like this interview, you will like his book:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=...
If you don't like his interview, you should read his bo...more
One of my favorite writer's autobiography is a straightforward, enlightening read. It is a short walk-through of his life with short side tracts to explain his development. Not exactly a page turner, but a nice book to fill in the story behind the man that so many read.
This is such a quick read, but packs so much punch. Dr. Williams writes simply and clearly, but with a sense of humor and a critical eye turned on American race relations, academia and the culture at large.
Not what I thought it was going to be but a fun read anyway. An interesting life story.
Loved it! Walter Williams is one of my favorite people. Wonderful story of his life and influences. Perfect book for kids:
1. important life lessons
2. planning one's career
3. staying true to one's principles
4. values gained by trying many, many different jobs in life.
I agree with Thomas Sowell's review: only bad part of the book is that it is too short.
1. important life lessons
2. planning one's career
3. staying true to one's principles
4. values gained by trying many, many different jobs in life.
I agree with Thomas Sowell's review: only bad part of the book is that it is too short.
Great
I sat down last night thinking I would just dabble in this book - and I ended up reading it in one sitting. It's short and sweet, and very interesting.
I love listening to Walter Williams on the radio, and this book gave me a fascinating look into his past, and what it was like to grow up as a black man in turbulent times.
I'd encourage my kids to read this, when they're older. They can learn a lot from this hardworking man.
I love listening to Walter Williams on the radio, and this book gave me a fascinating look into his past, and what it was like to grow up as a black man in turbulent times.
I'd encourage my kids to read this, when they're older. They can learn a lot from this hardworking man.
I'm a huge Walter Williams fan. I just started this book. So far, so good.
it was ok... i think i just read the wrong Walter Williams book.
I would have given it 3.5 (or maybe 3.75) stars were that an option.
Not a bad autobiography, from an economist.
Jun 18, 2013
Wade
marked it as to-read
May 05, 2013
Glen Moore
marked it as to-read
Mar 27, 2013
Melanie
marked it as to-read
Mar 06, 2013
Kelsey
marked it as to-read
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Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Walter E. Williams holds a B.A. in economics from California State University, Los Angeles, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in economics from UCLA. He also holds a Doctor of Humane Letters from Virginia Union University and Grove City College, Doctor of Laws from Washington and Jefferson College and Doctor Honoris Causa en Ciencias Sociales from Universidad Franc...more
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