The World's Best Book Summaries
Is Zen Buddhism Mahayana? How did ideas from India shape a philosophy that emerged in China? Alan Watts discusses the origins of Zen Buddhism in his book The Way of Zen. He explains that Zen ideas came largely out of three different traditions. One of these is Mahayana Buddhism, and Watts outlines two concepts that the two philosophies share. Keep reading to learn how Mahayana Buddhism helped shape Zen Buddhism.
Where did Zen come from? What ideas did Zen borrow from Taoism, Confucianism, and Mahayana Buddhism? Zen created a synthesis of Chinese and Indian traditions. It continues to be practiced by millions of people around the world today. To find the origins of Zen Buddhism, we must go back to sixth-century China. Keep reading to learn how Zen Buddhism got its start in a culture already rich with ideas.
Who were the Dixiecrats? How does their story shed light on the transformation of the Democratic Party in the 20th century? Ezra Klein writes that, in the mid-20th century, conservative Southern Democrats were the heart of the Democratic Party. He examines the history of these “Dixiecrats” and explains the significant role they played in American politics. Read more to learn how and why Dixiecrats dominated—and then exited—the Democratic Party.
Was American politics always like this? Did politicians always seek to stir up partisan fervor among their supporters by antagonizing the other side? According to Ezra Klein, the answer to these excellent questions is “No.” In Why We’re Polarized, he writes that the story of modern polarization is rooted in cleavages in the political system that began in the 1950s and 1960s, during the civil rights era. Read on for a brief history of political polarization in America.
Why is Alexander Hamilton considered one of the most important figures in United States history? What role did Hamelton play in establishing US capitalism? Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton considers the Founding Father’s life and legacy, including his unlikely ascension from a poor student to a trusted advisor of George Washington. Chernow also covers how the events of Hamilton’s life have influenced American history. Read below for a brief overview of Alexander Hamilton’s biography.
How did Alexander Hamilton influence the US Constitution? What part did he play in the Revolutionary War? Hamilton was one of George Washington’s most trusted allies in the Revolutionary War. As noted in Ron Chernow’s biography of him, this led to Hamilton becoming an admired delegate at the Constitutional Convention. Continuing reading to learn about the relationship between George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, the Constitution’s beginnings, and post-war reconstruction.
What are the contents of Alexander Hamilton’s Federalist Papers? Why did he write the Federalist Papers? The Federalist Papers are known as Hamilton’s best-known piece of work. They consist of 85 essays that describe, in detail, what each clause of the Constitution states so that it wouldn’t be misinterpreted. Let’s look at why Hamilton wrote the Federalist Papers and the impact they had on America at the time.
How did Alexander Hamilton become Secretary of the Treasury? What were the major changes he made during his time in the role? According to Ron Chernow’s biography Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury was one of the biggest roles to fill after the Constitution was ratified. President George Washington appointed Hamilton as the first person to fulfill this duty and changed the course of the US economy. Find out how Hamilton changed the US economy by imposing new taxes, which led to criticisms from other politicians.
What was the first party system in the US like? What did each party advocate for? According to Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, the politician of the same name played an important role in the forming of the first American political parties. These parties are known as the Federalist and Republican parties. Discover more about the first party system and their beliefs.
What was America’s role in the French Revolution? Why were American parties split on helping the French? According to Ron Chernow’s book Alexander Hamilton, the French Revolution was a tough time for America. The Federalists wanted to side with the British for economic reasons, whereas the Republicans advocated for helping the French for democratic reasons. Let’s look at the impact of the French Revolution on America.