Andy Andrews on Why Truth Matters

One of my favorite authors is Andy Andrews, who always writes things from a very different perspective as anyone else.  I have all of his books, and am always interested in his point of view.

One of his latest books is called How Do You Kill 11 Million People?  I have to admit that I would have passed by the book if it weren’t for the author.

The new book is the story of the holocaust, but unlike anything you’ve ever read.  It’s also a very small book, which you can read in about fifteen or so minutes.  But you will find that you are thinking about it for days afterward.  It’s a book that just makes you give it to someone else and say, “Read this.  I want to talk about it with you.”

The story is basically a question about how millions of people were killed by Hitler and the Nazis.  Most of the time, they boarded trains with little resistance.  Trains heading to concentration camps.  I’ve heard directly from Holocaust survivors the horrors involved.  Most of us have read books and seen movies depicting the events.

But I don’t know of anyone else who ever asked “Why?  Why did they board the trains without fighting back?”

Andy provides the answer, and it is startling.  They were told lies.  They were told that jobs were available, that things were safer, that it would be a better life.  And so they listened to that lie and boarded trains and descended into an unspeakable horror.

What makes this book so intriguing is that it doesn’t only review the past, but takes you right to today.  The book raises questions about how many citizens are voting, how many are not involved in today’s decisions, and how trusting we are as a nation.  It’s a wake-up call to everyone to study and demand one thing.  The truth.

This short, easy-to-read book:

1. Provides a different perspective.

2. Encourages a thought provoking discussion.

3. Raises questions about history and questions about today.

4. Encourages an evaluation of your own involvement and activities in society.

5. Challenges citizens to vote and let your own voice be heard.

 

How important is the truth? What can we do to encourage more people to vote and to be involved? How do we encourage the expression of all of our different voices and opinions? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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  • http://sparkvoice.wordpress.com/ DS

    People often overlook the truth for what’s convenient in our day and age.  Because we’ve had smooth transitions for hundreds of years we often take our change foregranted and we trust others to act on our behalf.  My generation, especially, hasn’t had to sacrifice the same way past generations have.

    I really appreciate the intent to get more people involved and being unafraid of using helpful illustrations.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thanks for the comment. It’s a powerful thought, and I can tell you have internalized it.

  • http://chrisvonada.info/ chris vonada

    lol… that’s funny about the TSA people giving Andy “the look” !!

    He’s one of my favorites too Skip. Andy’s writing has made a tremendous impact on my life. My favorite quote from this book…

    “Have you  ever noticed how we judge the “bad guys” by their actions, and the “good guys” by their intentions?”

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       That’s a good quote.  Andy has a great blend of wisdom & wit, and he brings terrific energy to any room.

    • Steven

      I wonder: if he had been Arab, would he have gotten that same “free ride”?

  • http://joeandancy.com/ Joe Abraham

    I got a copy of this book from Michael Hyatt. Andy presents the message in such a powerful way that I started thinking about the great responsibility we have, as leaders, to lead people with integrity. It is not just about how we lead. It is mainly about where we lead!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thanks for the comment, Joe. All of Andy’s books are thought provoking.

  • Steve Pate

    James Surowiecki taught us about the wisdom of crowds.  Andy Andrews has now given us a powerful reminder to not let ourselves be swept along by the prejudices of the crowds we are in.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Quite the contrasting viewpoints! Good observation.

    • http://www.danieldecker.net/ Daniel Decker

       Great point Steve!