Tackles the big picture. Explains how we are still at the dawn-not the twilight-of the Industrial-Scientific-Democratic Age pioneered in the West by an exceptional country, the United States of America. With personal travel stories and evidence from history, the author explains how we got here and what we can do today to help our Western way of life grow and prosper. One of 52 titles reviewed in Publisher's Weekly SELECT. April 9, 2012. "The evidence for the benefits of Westernization are persuasive ... The book itself is certainly thought provoking, a mix of assembled reportage and Stonebarger's own experience from his life and travels, which weave together into a celebration of the rise of the Western world and a hopeful call for its continued success in the future." "A work of genius. I take off my hat to the author. Comprehensive, accurate and free of jargon. Exactly what I meant when I wanted a defense of democracy." Sidney Hook, late NYU philosopher and international champion of democracy, in a review of an early version of this book. "Incredibly enjoyable. Bill covers major parts of recent global history with accuracy and readable flowing prose. I would recommend this book as required reading to my academic colleagues. I will use many of his ideas for my work with global environmental issues." Dr. Stefan Gorzula, CITES Secretariat, Switzerland. "As various challenges confront nations around the world, Stonebarger offers his personal take on our society's past, present and future, focusing on the intersection of the economic, political and cultural. Stonebarger's major assertion is that the most successful, everlasting system in our global history is what he terms 'free-market liberal democracy.' ... He breaks down free-market liberal democracy into three tenets-capitalism, (humanistic) religion and science and technology ... A common thread throughout the book is the distinction between 'win-win' and 'zero-sum' transactions, wherein the former benefits both parties ... The author's conversational tone and style lends itself well to his topic. ... A treatise uniquely suited for an ideologically and politically likeminded audience ..." Kirkus Reviews. 2012. "As I read it I began to see it as masterful updating of Diderot's Encyclopedie of Enlightenment in clear prose and poetry covering exhilarating views of the current state of history, religion, science, technology, social, business, economic, political and governance knowledge and practice. It really should be read and pondered by every literate person and translated into their mother tongue. ... It should be an educational tool and boon for every high school and college library. It would make a fine text for a course in the history of philosophy, civilization and culture." Dr. Robert Kealy, Milwuakee, Wisconsin. "When it comes to Bill Stonebarger, there's gold in grey. Do yourself a favor and listen. You might just see our world quite differently." Kerry Swift, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. "I just finished your book last night and found it a wonderful read Your writing style is so informative yet personal and entertaining. The format with every other chapter being personal and in italicized print made for very compelling reading. ... Actually I think it should be required reading for all U.S. citizens. Such wisdom " Carol Larrabee, Madison, Wisconsin. "I have never taken this step of suggesting a book to a wider group of friends and associates. This is a book I am giving to our three children and our older grandchildren as it most closely reflects the beliefs I've had about our society and the Western world as a whole. ... our country and European countries have been traveling in the wrong direction stretching back over the last several decades no matter which party has been in power, you will enjoy and appreciate this book. " Dr. Larry Larrabee, Madison, Wisconsin.