• We Hold These Truths

  • Understanding the Ideas and Ideals of the Constitution
  • By: Mortimer J. Adler
  • Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach
  • Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (61 ratings)

Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts.
You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
Audible Plus auto-renews for $7.95/mo after 30 days. Upgrade or cancel anytime.
We Hold These Truths  By  cover art

We Hold These Truths

By: Mortimer J. Adler
Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach
Try for $0.00

$7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $15.56

Buy for $15.56

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

Mortimer Adler devoted a lifetime to studying the great ideas of Western culture and explaining even the most difficult concepts to the average citizen, earning Time magazine’s praise as a "philosopher for everyman". In We Hold These Truths, Dr. Adler caps his life’s work by illuminating the ideas and ideals that have made the United States of America a truly unique nation in the annals of history.

The ideas Adler examines include those at the core of the Declaration of Independence: human equality, inalienable human rights, civil rights, the pursuit of happiness, and both the consent and dissent of the governed. These are the ideas that form the basis for justice, domestic tranquility, the common defense, the general welfare, and the blessings of liberty - the ideals that are found in the preamble to the Constitution and which bind us together as a nation and a people.

Mortimer J. Adler (1902-2001), American philosopher, educator, and popular author, was chairman of Encyclopaedia Britannica’s board of editors, the founder and director of the Institute for Philosophical Research, and an honorary trustee and founder of the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies.

©1987 Mortimer J. Alder (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The most succinct, accessible publication about the Constitution." ( Wall Street Journal)
"Jeff Riggenbach...does his duty...[reading] in a clear, pleasant voice." ( AudioFile)
"This highly readable work will help all citizens with their own examination of Constitutional principles." ( Library Journal)

What listeners say about We Hold These Truths

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    33
  • 4 Stars
    17
  • 3 Stars
    7
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    2
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    32
  • 4 Stars
    11
  • 3 Stars
    8
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    29
  • 4 Stars
    13
  • 3 Stars
    4
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    2

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Sterile Interpretation

I was very surprised to find such a sterile reading of the founding documents of our country.

Neither heart nor passion are to be found in Adler's exposition. The man who knows so well the great books shows little appreciation for nor historical context of these obvious thunderbolts of democracy.

Instead he offers logical and philosophical criticisms and corrections.

I cannot help but muse that the author was battling a bad case of digestive distress that doomed this dispepsic discourse.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Demystifying

A very good reference book that helps demystify the key meaning in both the Constitution's language and it's application within worldly contexts. Likewise, WHTT Superbly explores some of our high court's most controversial decisions with an array of insight and poise.

Recommended to all with an interest in gaining critical insight into the Constitution and it's uses within judicial contexts.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!