انگلیسی 1393

Donations, volunteering, foundations and philanthropy are at the heart of American society: 90% of Americans are engaged in nonprofit activities, giving either their time or their money to support schools, universities, the arts, nature, humanitarian work and churches. The third sector, as it is called, which is neither capitalist nor socialist, accounts for 10% of the American economy and provides employment to 10% of the American population!Strangely, little is known or written about it: till now, no attempt has been made to give an overall picture of American philanthropy. This is what Sorman sets out to do in In Praise of Giving. His enqiry takes him across the United States, as he reaches out to those who give and those who receive. The journey has been rough at times: many foundations are ineffective or do philanthropy merely for show. Some churches are doing useful work, others not so. Some think - tanks play a decisive political role; others give strident support to divisive causes (drugs, arms) to the extent that active minorities often prove to be more influential than the silent majority. American philanthropy is working to heal society, fragmented as it is by violence, ethnic conflicts and weak social protection. Taking a look at the third sector today helps us discover a little known facet of the United States, allowing at the same time a comparison with France and Europe. In Europe, where the Welfare State has run out of steam, the American experience has innovative approaches to offer to build solidarity, improve educational standards and living conditions in difficult localities and even create new forms of citizenship rooted in civil society rather than dependence on the State.Praise for Economics Does Not Lie "One of the most probing and honest minds among commentators on the politics, economy and social concerns of our time. Sorman's writing invariably cast(s) a constructive critical glance at the world at the start of the 21st century."Thomas Bishop - Director, Center for French Civilisation and Culture; Florence Gould Professor of French Literature, New York University Praise for The Genius of India "Guy Sorman has observed India with a keen eye, a great deal of intelligence and genuine affection. In India, things add up, they don't compete to replace each other. It is this gift for coexistence that we have to learn from this exuberant yet impassive civilisation" ROGER - POL DROIT Author of L'Oubli de l'Inde (India Forgotten) in Le Monde