Read by George Grizzard
With an introduction read by Mike Wallace
No nation can be greater than the strength of its individual homes or the virtue of its people. Sadly, many today would say ours is a nation in crisis. Families are splintering around us, our children are becoming alienated from their great cultural heritage, and our leaders seem increasingly out of touch. Yet, according to Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one cannot lose hope. The solution lies not within our government, schools, or symbols of popular culture, but rather within ourselves, our families, and our faith.
In the tradition of William Bennett's Book of Virtues, Hinckley has created a classic look at the values that can change our world -- and how to stand up for them. Drawing on anecdotes from his own life, as well as from our nation today, he examines ten virtues that have proven through the ages to provide the most profound path to a better world: love, honesty, morality, civility, learning, forgiveness and mercy, thrift and industry, gratitude, optimism, and faith.
Standing for Something is an inspiring blue-print for what we can all do -- as individuals, as a nation, and as a world community -- to rediscover the values that make us strong and by which all of us can work toward a brighter future.
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"Gordon B Hinckley's perspective on life is so positive and wonderful it's contagious. This book really made me look at how I treated other people and how that contributed to the atmosphere in my home and that I created at work. I love his words. Whether you are LDS or not, everyone could benefit from reading this book. And re-reading to remind yourself to keep trying to be a better, kinder person. Love it."
— Rachel (4 out of 5 stars)
“I absolutely love this book! Every chapter breathes profound wisdom, insight, and optimism. Articulated by one of the inspired leaders of our day, these ten timeless values, if lived, will literally heal our hearts, our homes, our country, our world.”
— Stephen R. Covey, New York Times bestselling author, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People“Word of this book is rapidly spreading across America as simple folk clamor to steer their lives and country with a more virtuous compass.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review“We live in an age in which traditional beliefs have been attenuated, ridiculed, and mocked. We desperately need leaders who will defend them—and just as important, we need leaders who can explain why they are worth defending. Which is why Gordon Hinckley’s book is so valuable. Timely, intelligent, practical, and readable, Standing for Something is an important contribution to the national discussion.”
— William J. Bennett, editor, The Book of Virtues“ Gordon B. Hinckley has written a wise and inspiring book. He looks at all that ails our society today and offers the most powerful cure: faith in God and the virtues that emanate from it. His voice in this book is prophetic and full of love. People of all religions will benefit from reading Standing for Something, and society will gain too, because this book should lead its readers to stand for something.”
— Senator Joseph I. Leiberman" Incredible book. I had no idea I would love this book so much. I am amazed at the caliber of writing as well as the interest I had in every chapter. Written for all of America, not just people of one faith, this is a book I would give to everyone if I could. I feel SO uplifted and more determined to be a little better, wiser, kinder, stronger...GREAT book! It is no surprise it was a NY Times Bestseller! "
— Alyssa, 2/10/2014" Not many authors can be as succinct and simultaneously meaningful and deep as President Hinckley. This book justifiably spent time on the New York Times Best Sellers list, but it is not really on that basis that it's so worthwhile. Simply put, the things mentioned in this book are true no matter who you are. If we all followed this advice, so many of today's ills wouldn't exist at all! "
— Ruth, 2/10/2014" President Hinckley's comments on the loneliness of leadership are especially good. "
— Rex, 2/1/2014" Great little read by one of my heroes. I love Gordon B. Hinckley and his style...I could quote him on almost any passage in the book. Our life views are very similar. Hooray for determined optimism! "
— Christina, 1/30/2014" A necessary review of virtues and their worth in our world which has largely convinced it's self that virtues are not necessary. This will rekindle your desire to develop virtue in your life and to spread the desire. "
— Holly, 1/30/2014" I needed a pick me up and who better to turn to than President Gordon B. Hinkley! Totally lightens the load. "
— Careshmeh, 1/20/2014" Although published a decade ago--it's very applicable today. I wish the world would focus on these virtues. "
— Jubi, 1/12/2014" I love this book!! Such an inspiration! I am reading it again for the third time. "
— Vivcaudle, 1/11/2014" Inspiring and motivational. Solid ideas to bring about real, lasting, positive change in our society. "
— Elise, 1/9/2014" Good reminder of things I want to work towards. "
— Jenny, 1/9/2014" This easy to read book reminded me again of the importance of character and the things I needed to do to improve mine. It inspired me and gave me cause to reflect of the world we live in and the need we have to return to these virtues. A great book. "
— Kathy, 12/16/2013" Thank you President Hinkley. We love you and look forward to meeting again one day. "
— Gabe, 12/16/2013" Outstanding, plain, practical ways to re-establish integrity. "
— Kimbra, 12/15/2013" Loved this book. I learned so much and see where I need to improve in my own life!!! "
— Heather, 12/5/2013" A great read for reminding us of our purpose. "
— Tara, 12/2/2013" I read this book once before in High School. This time (audiobook), it had a lot more meaning to me as a father. It inspired me to change and be better. It is definitely worth the read as it will inspire you too. They are great words from a great man applicable to anyone. "
— Dan, 11/18/2013" A book that I keep going to for answers. The 10 Virtues-Love, Honesty, Morazlity, Civility, Learning, Forgiveness and Mercy, Thrift and Industry, Gratitude, Optimism and Faith. Just down to earth and pracital ways to improve our lives. "
— Bizzeeg, 10/13/2013" A book to base one's life upon. "
— Ginny, 4/15/2013" Words of wisdom and inspiration from the beloved prophet. Own it, read it, ponder it, apply it. "
— Michael, 3/17/2013" "Our 27th wedding anniversary" "
— Ernie, 11/8/2012" Such a great reminder of values we all should be aspiring to have. "
— Angela, 9/30/2012" Great for every family that wants to be closer and knitted together through life! "
— Redbow, 5/12/2012" I really enjoyed this book. It was motivational for me and helped me want to be better. "
— Wendi, 1/31/2012" An optimistic look on what the world can become if we all try a little harder to be decent to one another. This book is very much worth anyone's time to read. "
— Willie, 12/8/2011" Love this book. Will read again and again. "
— Maria, 8/15/2011" This book made me want to be more grounded in my convictions of what true virtues are and how I can live them better. Gordon B. Hinckley was a great author to write this book! "
— Noel, 7/28/2011" I will probably read this book again. It's just an easy read to remind us of what values we hold or should hold. :) sometimes we need reminders, right? "
— Katie, 7/8/2011" Clear and applicable, this book leaves you feeling both motivated and inspired. It's easy to see how heeding these virtues can tangibly improve ourselves and our relationships with our family members. "
— Cheyenne, 5/16/2011" A great book that helps everyone everywhere to learn to stand for something important. "
— Jarom, 3/29/2011" This book literally saved my life one cold dark night almost 11 years ago. I have great admiration for President Hinckley. "
— Michelle, 3/27/2011" This book envites joy into the heart. Easy to read and connect with and makes you want to be a little better. That's enough for me! Great book "
— Liz, 3/22/2011" If one follows this you will become a better person and create a better world around you. "
— Clarrabee, 3/18/2011" So full of quotable material. I loved it. "
— Lisa, 2/24/2011" Good Sunday literature for the past few weeks. It talks about 10 neglected virtues that will heal our hearts and our homes if we follow them. 1. Love 2. Honesty 3. Morality 4. Civility 5. Learning 6. Forgiveness and Mercy 7. Thrift and Industry 8. Gratitude 9. Optimism 10. Faith "
— Jessica, 2/7/2011" He wrote this book by living it. "
— Josh, 2/3/2011" Excellent. It won't be the only time I read this. I could have highlighted almost every sentence in this book. "
— Irene, 2/2/2011" I really liked this book and the simplicity of its message. It was easy to read and easy to understand. It had something important for everyone that reads it. "
— Kortnie, 1/18/2011" There is so much wisdom packed in this little volume. Pres. Hinckley uses lots of stories to connect with the reader and bring home the value of each of the virtues presented. He totally gets the solution we need in our lives to improve our homes and communities. "
— Natasha, 1/17/2011" President Hinckley was an amazing man and I love to read stuff that he said. "
— Danni, 11/20/2010" This is a great go-to book when I need some cool quote for a talk or lesson. Over half of my book is underlined. Lots of good nuggets of knowledge that can get you back on track to what matters most. "
— Afton, 11/5/2010" This is an interesting book. It seemed to me that is was written for non-Latter-day Saints. It was good, but not a repeat book for me. "
— Matthew, 11/4/2010" He knows how to pin the head right on the problems.. "
— Teresaflegal, 10/31/2010Gordon B. Hinckley is the world leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which he was ordained the fifteenth president in 1995. He live in Salt Lake City with his wife and five children.
George Grizzard (1928–2007) was an American actor who appeared in more than forty films, dozens of television programs, and a number of Broadway plays. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2002.