Conceived in Liberty

<p><em>Conceived in Liberty</em> is a cultural sociological and geopolitical review of the uniquely American notion that the country and its people are exceptional. While all nations have their own patriotic commitments no other people have outwardly declared their power as vigorously as have Americans especially since World War II.</p><p>John J. Tierney Jr. advances the idea that liberty is the singular source of the power of the American worldview and all other elements of this society—equality patience charity justice etc.—are derived from liberty. He argues that this worldview comes from this one source and is responsible for the many movements that may engage the public's interest such as women's rights civil rights and voting rights. Such movements are all positive but they could not exist in a society devoid of liberty.</p><p><em>Conceived in Liberty</em> also traces other main components of the American worldview: geographic expanse immigration energy of the populace diversity public policies and the elements that contribute to exceptionalism. Tierney is not blind to some of the deficiencies of the United States but he posits that the liberty it manifests is truly the political globe's last best hope.</p>