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

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.

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.

"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.

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!

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.