📖 Overview
Standing for Something examines ten fundamental virtues that Gordon B. Hinckley identifies as crucial for modern society. This bestselling book features a foreword by Mike Wallace and endorsements from prominent figures including Senator Joe Lieberman and Stephen R. Covey.
The text presents each virtue through a combination of personal anecdotes, historical examples, and practical guidance. From love and honesty to gratitude and faith, Hinckley addresses the decline of traditional values and offers concrete solutions for individuals and families.
The author structures his message around clear principles while maintaining accessibility for readers of all backgrounds. The work moves beyond religious doctrine to explore universal themes that resonate across cultural and faith traditions.
This book speaks to the broader cultural need for moral anchors and ethical frameworks in an increasingly complex world. Its enduring relevance stems from its focus on timeless virtues as solutions to contemporary challenges.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe Standing for Something as a clear moral guide that applies to people of all faiths. Many note that while Hinckley was a Mormon leader, the book avoids pushing religious doctrine and focuses on universal values.
Readers appreciated:
- Practical advice for modern challenges
- Accessible writing style
- Focus on character development
- Real-world examples and stories
- Emphasis on family relationships
Common criticisms:
- Some sections feel repetitive
- A few readers found the tone preachy
- Limited depth on complex issues
From a Goodreads reviewer: "The principles are timeless but the applications feel relevant to today's problems."
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (300+ ratings)
Barnes & Noble: 4.6/5 (40+ ratings)
Several readers mentioned gifting copies to friends and family members of different faiths, noting its broad appeal beyond religious audiences.
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When Character Was King by Peggy Noonan This biography of Ronald Reagan examines how personal values and moral conviction shaped leadership and public service.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey The book outlines principles for personal growth through character development, purpose-driven living, and ethical decision-making.
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl A Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist shares observations on how finding meaning and purpose enables human resilience through life's challenges.
The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck A psychiatrist combines spiritual growth with psychological insights to explore discipline, love, grace, and life's meaning.
When Character Was King by Peggy Noonan This biography of Ronald Reagan examines how personal values and moral conviction shaped leadership and public service.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey The book outlines principles for personal growth through character development, purpose-driven living, and ethical decision-making.
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl A Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist shares observations on how finding meaning and purpose enables human resilience through life's challenges.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 Gordon B. Hinckley served as the 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and wrote this book at age 89, drawing from his experiences leading a global religious organization of over 10 million members.
🔹 Mike Wallace of "60 Minutes" fame, who wrote the foreword for the book, had previously conducted a landmark interview with Hinckley in 1996, leading to their lasting friendship despite different religious backgrounds.
🔹 The book spent several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list in 2000, unusual for a book that bridges religious and moral philosophy with mainstream self-help literature.
🔹 Each chapter focuses on a specific virtue (like honesty, morality, or civility) and includes both historical examples and contemporary applications, making it one of the first major works to address traditional values in the context of the new millennium's challenges.
🔹 The book's message about moral values resonated across political lines, earning praise from both conservative religious leaders and liberal politicians like Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman, who was running for Vice President when he endorsed it.