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The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life  (Buy from Amazon)

The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life (Buy from Barnes and Noble)

by Charles Murray (Contributor), Richard J. Herrnstein

An important and thought provoking book. While obviously a provocative topic, this book brings to the fore of the national conscious the important question of intelligence. Not in the shallow way assumed by many with the knee jerk, and frankly unfair, heading of racism, but under a heading of paramount importance to American society and culture. What is the composition of our citizenry? Is society structured in such a way that all can fully participate in the American society and culture? Viewed in this way the book is recognition of the need for equality of opportunity in a world where abilities are just not possibly equal.

Far from posing an argument for racism, this book points out the commonsensical notion that in the realm of abilities, all are not equal. Given that obvious truth, what steps does society take to ensure that the essential elements of education, opportunity, and responsibilities are spread throughout the citizenry equally and to full effect?

A great concern of mine is the failure of the education establishment, as well as the liberal philosophies that influence them, to see clearly the need for establishing an understanding of what it means to be a responsible citizen in a free society, and the absolute need for such if this society is to remain free. The challenge of "The Bell Curve" is to the liberal notion that individuals are not responsible for the variation in abilities, but that somehow society is. Challenging this sacred cow of liberalism is the real reason for the hue and cry about this book. The contribution of this book is the courage of the authors to at least raise the issue of individual differences, and the stresses and strains that places on society, to the level of a national discussion.