The Point of It All

A Lifetime of Great Loves and Endeavors

By: Charles Krauthammer, Daniel Krauthammer - editor

Narrated by: Jeremy Bobb, Daniel Krauthammer

Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's Summary

Created and compiled by Charles Krauthammer before his death, The Point of It All is a powerful collection of the influential columnist's most important works. Spanning the personal, the political and the philosophical, it includes never-before-published speeches and a major new essay about the effect of today's populist movements on the future of global democracy. Edited and with an introduction by the columnist's son, Daniel Krauthammer, it is the most intimate and profound book yet by the legendary writer and thinker.

In his decades of work as America's preeminent political commentator, Charles Krauthammer elevated the opinion column to a form of art. Whether writing about statecraft and foreign policy or reflecting on more esoteric topics such as baseball, spaceflight and medical ethics, Krauthammer was beloved not only for his penetrating wit and insight but also for his ability to identify the hidden moral truths that animate our politics and culture.

This new collection, which Krauthammer composed before his death in June 2018, features the columns, speeches and unpublished writings that showcase the best of his original thought and his last, enduring words on the state of American politics, the nature of liberal democracy and the course of world history. The book also includes a deeply personal section offering insight into Krauthammer's beliefs about what mattered most to him - -friendship, family, and the principles he lived by - all anchored by Daniel Krauthammer's poignant eulogy for his father.

For longtime fans and newcomers alike, The Point of It All is a timely demonstration of what it means to cut through the noise of petty politics with clarity, integrity and intellectual fortitude. It is a reminder of what made Charles Krauthammer the most celebrated American columnist and political thinker of his generation, a revealing look at the man behind the words and a lasting testament to his belief that anyone with an open and honest mind can grapple deeply with the most urgent questions in politics and in life.

With an introduction and eulogy by Daniel Krauthammer, read by Daniel Krauthammer

©2018 Charles Krauthammer (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

“For decades, Charles’ words have strengthened our democracy. His work was far-reaching and influential - and...his ideas and values will always be a part of our country.” (George W. Bush)

“Charles will be remembered as one of the greatest public intellects of his generation. A true renaissance man, there was no topic too complex for Charles to probe; no party or politician too powerful to challenge.... I’m confident his words will continue to inspire all of us to live bravely and think boldly.” (John McCain)    

“Charles wrote for the right reasons.... To provoke us to think, to enlarge our understanding, at times to make us laugh. Like few others, he succeeded, week after week, Friday after Friday, year after year...he wrote a column of breathtaking range and intelligence and integrity.” (The Washington Post)  

Brilliant

There are only a handful of men that I'm blown away by. These are men who seemingly have a fire hose of knowledge and impart it freely. They value truth and wisdom above all else. They never seek glory or fame or political office. They value personal freedom and tend to be center right but are happy to embrace truth on the other side. Sometimes I think these men are of a higher order, sent to communicate wisdom to a troubled world. I count Charles as one of these. He has the ability to write in such a simple yet transformative way. The only other person I've seen with this specific skill was Milton Friedman. His son Daniel did a masterful job compiling these articles. The narrator is excellent! The book is never dull, the articles flow and build on each other. I kept thinking, wow if only someone with this kind of communication skill were our president. I'll be returning to this book for years to come. p.s. The other few genius's who have informed me at this level are Richard Epstein, Randall Carlson (sacred geometry) and Jordan Peterson. It occurred to me while listening to this book, that sometimes a few rare Individuals are subjected to an undeserved major tradgety , simply because Providence knows they will overcome and thus be an example to the rest of us. So it was with Job. Rip

An Amazing Man

one cannot thank Mr Krauthammer enough for sharing letting us in on his thouhts and views.
No matter your party or religion this is a great read. much of the language is over my head but it gives me pause to look up words to find out their mesning.
Mr Krauthammer is one of the most intriguing figures I have ever read.
Thank you to him and his family for letting us have a small part of him.

Spectacular story of a brilliant man

Such a well done and powerful book. Daniel did his father proud with his editing and commentary, not too much, just right. I will be re reading again. I will truly miss Charles and his wit and wisdom.

Words are not always just words.

Charles Krauthammer is a great man. I will miss him dearly. What a great life he had. If only everyone could know his story. I think we would all be better for it. I really appreciate his son Daniel for putting this book together for all of us and to give one more great read from the great man.

Just Great

If you are considering buying this book, I assume you are already familiar with at least some of Charles Krauthammer's work and are probably a fan. If so, don't hesitate. Buy it now.

The book is mainly a compendium of prior columns and speeches. It is organized by topic. As always, Krauthammer's writing seems fresh and penetratingly clear. He had an amazing gift for thinking things through and writing a well-reasoned and logical treatment. If you do not always agree with his conclusions, you must concede that he always presents his points cogently, and without appealing to emotion.

Buyers should beware that there is not a lot of new material here. The introduction indicates that the last part of the book include some work by Charles in his last year. There is a little new here, but not a lot. No matter, his wisdom comes through at all times.

Daniel's eulogy of his father at the end of the book is very moving.

Krauthammer was a voice of calm reason and sanity in a world that seems to have lost its bearing, if not its mind. With most in the press content to "report" on Twitter posts and rants, unverified leaks and sources, and what people "feel," Charles is sorely missed. His writing thankfully survives.

A Life Well-Lived

Here is knowledge and Wisdom in its purest form. Thank you so very much, Messers Krauthammer.

Overwhelmingly BRILLIANT !

I want to listen to it again & probably again after that, to again feel the intellectual pleasure Charles Krouthammer's thoughts deliver. Thank you Daniel for presenting your father's gift in such generous way.

One of the great minds of our time

The eloquence of the man is captured in this truly brilliant recapturing of some of his best moments
He is and will be missed

The Amazing Charles Krauthammer

I’ve been a fan of Charles Krauthammer for a long time, so I’m biased.

Anyone who is a fan needs to read/listen to this book. Much of it is copies of his articles over the years. You will need a grasp of history to appreciate many of his comments, but they are as valuable today as when written.

I have always been impressed by the balance and thoughtfulness of Mr. Krauthammer’s opinions, and this book bore that out even more. He covers a wide range of topics, and you will learn a great deal.

There is a lot to learn about how to live a life with grace and dignity.

I miss Charles Krauthammer. Thank you for publishing this book. And please keep them coming. He had such an incredible body of work over the years.

A most admirable human.

I just finished the book. I think it will be some time before I can come up with the words that will do justice to the man and the gratitude I feel for the gifts that Charles brought to mankind.