Peter Robinson (4) (1957–)

I always enjoy books about Ronald Reagan because the subject is so inspiring and American. I have been watching Uncommon Knowledge interviews from Stanford's Hoover Institution on YouTube for a few years; I never knew Peter Robinson, the host of the show was one of President Reagan's speech writers (after moving from the Vice President George H. W. Bush's office).

This was a very touching book proving how multidimensional of a man our fortieth president turned out to be. I don't know whom I learned more about, the author or his boss. At any rate, the lessons Mr. Robinson learned from the President, are presented in ten chapters by subject. Throughout the book we learn how Peter Robinson was an Oxford graduate but hadn't necessarily matured, in almost an accidental surrogate father, Robinson's observations of Reagan taught him life lessons. Robinson weaves personal journal entries with firsthand and secondhand reminiscences of The Gipper. How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life was a heartfelt tribute to one of our greatest presidents and it was clear how much Peter Robinson appreciated Ronald Reagan.… (mais)

Peter Robinson’s title – How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life – sounds a bit over the top. But when you discover that Robinson, while still very young, wrote Reagan’s immortal ‘Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’ speech, you realize that this is a special story that fully merits a bit of hyperbole.

Robinson is a skillful writer; his prose is folksy but measured; rich in details yet concise. I’m sure he wrote many excellent speeches for Mr Reagan. He also chooses a clever organizing device: he distills what he learned from the 40th President into ten lessons or maxims, and builds a chapter of reminiscences, reflections and even a bit of advice around each:

The Pony in the Dung Heap – When Life Buries You, Dig

The Posthole Digger – Do Your Work

How to Act – Life Is a Drama. Do Something.

Tear Down This Wall – Words Matter

At the Big Desk in the Master Bedroom – You Have a Head. Use It.

The Man with the Natural Swing – Easy Does It

Without Her, No Place – Marriage Can Save Your Life

The Oak-Walled Cathedral – Say Your Prayers

Tomfools – Do What You Can, Where You Are, with What You Have

The Lifeguard vs. Karl Marx – You Matter

Robinson’s own voice is humble, which allows Reagan’s inimitable style come alive again and again, as Robinson recounts many events we all recall, plus quite a few ‘insider’ moments that are fresh and revealing.

As you’d expect, Robinson deeply admires Ronald Reagan, so most of the book is suffused in a warm golden glow. But this is not a hagiography: one of the book’s later chapters deals directly with Reagan’s role in the Iran-Contra scandal, and with his strained relationships with his children.

I would like to close with a characteristic quotation from How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life:

You could see Reagan’s acceptance of human nature most clearly of all in his love of humor. We humans are utterly ridiculous, of course – half body, half spirit, always trying to take ourselves seriously, surprised when we find the little lectures on our own importance that we’re always giving ourselves interrupted by our need to use the bathroom. Instead of trying to remake human nature, as did, for example, Lenin and Hitler, Reagan simply told jokes – told jokes, then threw back his head and laughed. We’re all in this predicament together, the twinkle in his eyes seemed to say, but it’ll all come out all right in the end.

This is both wise and inspiring. I highly recommend this unique look into the life and work of one of the greatest presidents.… (mais)