In, But Not of: A Guide to Christian Ambition

Hewitt has crafted this small volume to be a training manual and guidebook for those aspiring to bring Christian ethics to high places in business, academia and government. Although written for all ages, it will be of more value to younger "ladder-climbers". I just gave a copy to my grandson heading for college for the first time, suggesting that, next to his Bible, this could be the most important book in his library.

Hugh Hewitt has managed to pack a tremendous amount of insight into a very short book. I read the entire book on a flight from Virginia to Seattle. And yet the wisdom revealed in those pages are potentially life changing. I have many books on my reading list, so I appreciate Hewitt's ability to say so much with so few words (many of his chapters are only 2 or 3 pages long -- but still manage to pack a punch)."In, But Not Of" reminds me of Dale Carnegie's 1936 book, "How To Win Friends And Influence People," which is still the best book I've ever read on leadership and influence. Both books share simple yet profoundly effective principles for putting yourself in a position to influence the people around you. But Hewitt's book has a foundation that Carnegie's lacks. For Hewitt, power and influence is just a means to an end, not the end in itself. "In, But Not Of" is directed to Christians who seek worldly influence in order to keep the doors open for religious liberty in America. This purpose-driven approach gives the book more focus (and makes it more impacting) than most books in the genre. Even though the book is directed at a relatively narrow audience (Believers with secular ambitions), it has much to offer to just about anyone willing to pick it up. It's a short read and a worthwhile investment of your time and money.

"In, But Not Of" is a simply-written book; it is a short work. However, do not make the mistake of thinking it is a simple book. The author's words are direct, as is his message. In fact, I would compare his message to that of the Book of Proverbs. So much so, that I wish I had read this book when I graduated from high school. Such simple directness would have been quite useful to me at that time. However, this does bring me to one of the areas where I disagree with Hewitt. He has targeted this book to young Christians. Let me note that as a 58-year-old person, this book still has a lot of substance for me. In so far as being a Christian is concerned, yes, there are a priori statements that may grate against readers who follow other religions or even the nonreligious. If you fail to read this book because of such concerns, that is your loss. If you fail to pass this book on to someone because you are concerned how he or she will take such statements, that would be his or her loss. Additionally, please consider, you are saying the person you are considering is too immature to read this. The one piece that Hewitt omits is the need to have focus in your life. If you read his whole book, if you act on any of his suggestions/directions, you will be establishing a focus. That is what this book is really all about, getting focus. Hewitt assumes the reader has the desire and focus, but needs the book to channel that focus to a goal. He is correct, but I believe that understanding that will aid some readers. This brings me to how to read such a book. I mentioned the reader should not mistake it for a simple work. If you do, you will pass by too many important concepts. I urge readers to have a colored highlighter and pen handy; highlight important statements, pen your thoughts directly on the page. Have a discussion in the book with the author and yourself. After you have "read the book," pass through it a second time. It is that good. It is that worthwhile. After submitting this review, I read the others. One reviewer chastised Hewitt for being "ambitious". True, this book is about ambition. And yes, Hewitt is ambitious. What that reviewer failed to recognize is the goal of Hewitt's ambition. It is not personal aggrandizement; it is not personal attainment. Hugh Hewitt is clear that "ambition" is simply a worthwhile tool towards a significant, worthwhile goal. He postulates if you have intelligence and wisdom, you therefore desire to use them to positively affect others. This book is a roadmap on how to accomplish that end. There are important differences between intelligence, experience, and wisdom. One can be quite smart, but with the lack of appropriate experience and maturity, one will lack wisdom. Hugh Hewitt's book will greatly assist the reader in all three areas. Enjoy.

Hugh Hewitt's compact book is packed with intensely practical advice on how young Christians can make the maximum impact on the culture around them. He tells them how to choose their programs of study, where to live, how to conduct themselves at work, how to hold up their end of a conversation, and even suggests how they might build their influence through maintaining a weblog. The book contains a large number of short chapters that each convey a worthwhile lesson about the business of living an infectious and successful life geared toward building God's kingdom. Considering that the man who wrote it has worked for former Presidents, continues a distinguished career in the law, and has achieved a measure of fame as a nationally syndicated talk show host, Hewitt seems to know what he's talking about.Like others who reviewed this book, I would have loved to have read it ten or fifteen years ago since it would have helped me avoid some of the trial and error I've had to endure on the way to my own career in public policy. With his advice, I might have reached some of my major goals 8-10 years before I did. If you know an ambitious young person, get this book into his or her hands.

This book could have been subtitled "The Wit and Wisdom of Hugh Hewitt." The author, a man of varied experience and fasicinating insight, offers invaluable wisdom for living with purpose in today's world. But unlike many who want to help us live better and more worthwhile lives, Hewitt isn't heavy handed or pedantic. He's a delightful writer who takes ideas seriously, but not himself. As you read, sometimes you'll chuckle. Often you'll say, "I wish I'd thought of that." And there will be plenty of times when you'll think, "I'm going to start doing this today."This book has something for everyone. You'll find Hewitt's musings on Plato and his relevance for those who want to make a difference today. Then you'll be encouraged to "know what you don't know" or to avoid getting tattoos. Even if one of the book's short, pithy chapters doesn't speak directly to you, you'll be sure to think of somebody who needs to read it. And you'll enjoy it too.This book is a fantastic gift. With graduation season just around the corner, its release couldn't be more timely. Every high school, college, and grad school graduate needs to read this book. I'm 45 years old and there's much here I wish I had read a half-life ago.Hewitt is a Christian and he writes as a Christian. But his writing reminds of C. S. Lewis -- helpful to Christian readers but equally valuable for non-believers. Buy this book for yourself. Buy this book for your friends. And be sure to buy this book for every graduate you can think of.