Preface
What People Are Saying
“If you read only one book in your lifetime, let this be it.” — Chicago Herald
“Outstanding! Feel smarter already and I’ve just read the first page.” — Toronto Globe and Courier
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. This book has changed my soul.” — Georgia Post Magazine
“Best overview of economics, history, and politics I’ve seen. Not to mention life in general. A must read.” — Calgary Free Press
“All so simple really, once someone explains it to you. May this serve as a template for many more.” — Chattanooga Evening Star
“Five stars all the way.” — Moosejaw Warrior
“Valiant effort but I didn’t understand a thing.” — Some guy named Tim
Author’s Note
Welcome to More Letters—a basic education provided in a minimal amount of time.
This book isn't for everyone. An understanding of history, politics, and more is certainly useful but not necessary to live a happy life. You only need this sort of education if you enjoy following the news. These are the people I worry about.
Ever wonder why politicians speak down to us? It’s because we’re dumb as cigarettes when it comes to knowing the world. Yes, we have intelligence living among us -- and many are doing a fine job -- but when it comes to grasping how this planet operates, we’re dumb as rocks. And this situation is becoming a problem.
A number of news trackers seem to be confused. Happy to follow along they lack the background information to understand what’s truly going on. Knowledge one needs to join the conversation. Top this with the fact that most of us wish to hold opinions for psychological reasons and you see why sparks sometimes fly.
Following the news no longer means reading newspapers. It’s watching videos, taking online courses, reading books, going to abnormal websites, and listening to podcasts. That’s the new format. And though this passion is overly time consuming, it’s also worthwhile. There’s a big world out there and this hobby never ends. So let’s prepare ourselves for such a journey.
More Letters provides a basic education on the topics of history, politics, economics, psychology, philosophy, and some religion. It’s what’s required to play watchdog and determine whether our system is fair. I’m not saying this is the best attempt possible, I’m just saying it’s the best that I can do. And if some scholar comes along to write a better account, I’ll gladly step back. In the meantime, here is how I believe it all works.