Things That Matter: Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes and Politics

Having an extreme right-wing father, he would put on FOX news every evening after work while casually drinking beer. Growing up, the voices of the FOX reporters would be in the background. He would switch to CNN from time to time so I would get a good listen on them. What both channels had in common was that these so-called adults would complain like little kids most of the time. But one stood out that had a very calm attitude, which was Charles Krauthammer. Asking myself how he keeps his composure at such a calm state with all these people I didn't know that he was paralyzed which was a tragic story. Even though I ignored the stuff my dad was watching, if I heard Mr. Krauthammer talk, then I would keep an open ear pretending I wasn't interested. What got me interested in buying this book was because Mr. Krauthammer had many other interests outside of politics like art, math, music, chess science and sports. The first hour reading the book, I fell in love with it immediately and couldn't put it down. He used a lot of different non-political fields to explain politics and it made so much sense. Some moments even caused me to burst out in laughter. It's not in any way deep reading. The prose is addictive and the "chapters" are about a two and a half pages so it makes you feel like, "okay, one more article and I get some lunch or sleep. But you might end up like me and read for two hours straight without realizing it. Anyone trying to dip their feet into politics for the first time should add this to your basic reading list. From what everyone else is saying, I'm not the only one who feels this way.

My wife bought this book for me a while back but I was in the process of finishing other books I had been reading. After the passing of this great man last night, I pulled the book out and started reading it, not really knowing what to expect. After reading the first chapter, I had tears in my eyes as this chapter made me recall my own brother who passed 10 years ago and was 7 years younger than me. I had little time with him until we both aged but he left us too soon.Although I have not read the entire book, this first chapter gave me a great hint of what is important in life and I look forward to the next couple of days in reading it. If I am disappointed, I will certainly report this.

Charles Krauthammer has been a leading voice for conservatism during the Obama years, but his run as a superlative columnist stretches back to the 1980s. "Things That Matter" is a collection of Krauthammer's best columns and essays of the last few decades.Krauthammer was a liberal when he was younger, but recounts his journey across the political spectrum and his path from medicine to journalism. While he says that the topics that most captivate the human mind are not political, he reminds us that a society must get politics right if everything else is to flourish, providing Nazi Germany as an example of how demented politics can destroy a society that was advanced in so many other areas.This collection includes some of the author's most hard-hitting columns of the Obama years in which Krauthammer spells out how liberal policies are weakening America both domestically and internationally. In addition to these columns on topical issues, other columns take a wider view in examining the importance of having conservative domestic and foreign policies. Krauthammer also looks back at figures such as Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King, as well as at events such as the French Revolution and the Cold War.While Krauthammer is known as a political columnist, he applies his superb insights into life and human nature across many other arenas as well—there are fascinating columns in this collection on chess, dogs, baseball, science, mathematics, and much more.Those who are familiar with the author's work are likely to know that he was paralyzed in an accident when he was young. The volume shows his strength of character in that he touches only lightly on the topic and asserts that one can have a very good life in spite of paralysis. Krauthammer's writing style is nothing short of phenomenal, and this superb amalgam of topical and timeless columns by one of the Right's leading voices will likely be read avidly even decades from now.

Comprised of discreet essays representing the highlights of Krauthammer's career, this book was a surprisingly quick, and deeply enjoyable read. The format is highly conducive to sporadic bursts of literary consumption, as is most convenient for me as a student with inconsistent free time. On passions of chess and mathematics, I excitedly empathized with Charles unfailingly linguistically beautiful personal accounts. On heavier matters of partisan politicking and foreign policy, I assumed the role of student and came away from the read feeling comfortably literate in fields of civics with which I had relatively dubious familiarity. I highly recommend especially for younger ages (college level or the rouge societally aware high schooler).

Mr. Krauthammer's work is wonderful. His brilliance, wit, wisdom and fairness shine through in each of his marvelous yarns and they reveal the things that really do matter in life - the many aspects of love - whether in appreciation of dogs or of baseball or of political super heroes. Mr. Krauthammer is a super hero of encouragement and brilliance to the tired, old hippy that I am.

Charles Krauthammer is an intelligent man with great perception of human behaviour. His views on life, politicians and humanity in general are conveyed in an interesting and thought stimulating manner. His love of life shines through this book, his views are well thought out and conveyed in a way that is clear and well reasoned. It makes you wish that he was one of your guests having a dinner and few drinks with friends.

Brilliant book. What a guy, what a life! A must read.

An excellent read, most informative.

I have become an admirer of Mr Krauthammer since viewing him on FOX TV.over the past year or so.He is able to make his particular viewpoint clearly and without ambiguity.

EXCELLENT READ! There is so much in this book that I will be reading it again to take more in.

Read this so fast, hard to put down.

His prose is fantastic, his arguments always sound. I didn't agree with all I read, but without exception enjoyed reading every article.

Great!

To be a fan of Dr Krauthammer's is an easy thing. The man's life is inspiring in many ways, both private and public and his thoughtful approach toward the somewhat "dirty" topic of politics makes one realize the necessity of its existence and of "getting it right". In selecting these particular articles for publishing in "Things That Matter", Dr Krauthammer once again shares his talent for exposing the pertinent issues of the day. Consistent with the Author's sometimes coy manner, he presents in a way that would allow antagonistic political reviewers an easy bone with their "rehash" assessment while providing a feast of insight for those less indoctrinated. "Five stars only because there aren't six".

Charles Krauthammer is the pre-eminent political, social and behavioural analyst and commentator in America Because he has a depth of knowledge far above average; he is disciplined having practiced self discipline and self restraint throughout his life, and he has been trained to collect, analyse and interpret data for any problem that is of interest to him, to present his insightful and wise premises and conclusions in the most elegant manner;his opinions are always more than notional and never superficial and they are varied enough to be of interest to everyone.This book is a compilation of some of his best columns and articles from over the years. It is a 'must read' for people who want to know, and for the many who need to know 'what to think' about the issues CK has addressed.

The world has lost an excellent political mind and journalist! An articulate and witty scholar... Would recommend this book!

Love it, love it.Never get bored with this book. Each article is a different subject matter, all very informative and timely.Subjects are things that really do matter.

Truly stellar writing, about a historical array of interesting and deeply meaningful topics. Objectively thought out and surprisingly objectively presented. Lots to learn about and from. Served up with a stunning vocabulary, great sense of humour and reminder of why we should be joyful and curious to be alive.

I am re reading this book . There is just so much insight , humour and wisdom .

Great man intelligent, honest and great American. Will truly be missed.All his TV work should be archived at Fox or Heritage.